The Professionalism Shout-Out Form provides a way for faculty, staff, students, trainees, and colleagues to acknowledge individuals who embody the values and behaviors that strengthen our learning and working community.
Those recognized receive a Certificate of Recognition from JPAC in appreciation of the professionalism they demonstrate at JABSOM.
Medical Student
Kenji consistently carries himself with professionalism befitting a JABSOM student. He respects people from all walks of life and does his best to make classmates and others feel comfortable.
Medical Student
Albert is always available to support class activities and consistently treats the students around him with respect.
Medical Student
Jorden encourages others to rise above unprofessionalism and inspires his peers to continue doing better.
Medical Student
Kevin is a fantastic student, peer, and member of the JABSOM community. He is proactive in engaging others, shows kindness to everyone, and is known for being understanding, empathetic, and thoughtful in centering the ideas and perspectives of those around him.
Medical Student
Esma does a wonderful job serving as Professionalism Representative for the MS1 class, holding classmates to a high standard in a kind and compassionate way.
PGY5 General Surgery Residency
Dr. Karasaki exemplifies professionalism. As Administrative Chief Resident in the Department of Surgery, she is an outstanding physician and surgeon, a caring leader, and someone who consistently does the right thing. She is responsible, reliable, dedicated to educating the next generation, and deeply committed to the JABSOM ʻohana.
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Dr. Buenconsejo-Lum has been a beacon of strength in the JABSOM Dean's Office. In addition to her strong research and educational leadership, she has supported implementation of the Rural Health Program at the University of Hawaiʻi. She remains thoughtful and organized, even when responding to urgent or complex requests.
Associate Professor, Department of Geriatric Medicine
Dr. Tamura, a faculty member in the Department of Geriatric Medicine, exemplifies professionalism by upholding a high standard of care and deportment. He is a clear communicator who treats all persons with respect through active listening and exceptional follow-through across teaching, patient care, and administrative responsibilities.
Professor, Department of Native Hawaiian Health
Dr. Lee is recognized for her unwavering professionalism, exceptional leadership, and commitment to building a welcoming community. She holds herself to the highest standards, bringing integrity, accountability, and heart to her program, division, department, and JABSOM as a whole. She fosters open and honest dialogue, follows through on commitments, and treats colleagues, students, staff, learners, and community partners with respect and empathy. Her ability to make people feel genuinely welcome, valued, and heard, including through efforts such as the monthly Community Lunch, reflects her dedication to connection, inclusion, and excellence.
Chief Business Officer, Department of Medicine
Catherine Takauye manages an annual budget of more than $8 million with a mixture of state, endowment, federal, and teaching hospital funds. She is recognized for her strong ethics, deep dedication to the University of Hawaiʻi missions, excellent experience and training, strong people skills, leadership qualities, and total fiscal accountability. She has made many programmatic development projects possible and is able to think of novel solutions to complex problems.
Administrative Officer, Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders
Keith consistently carries himself with integrity, polish, and professionalism, whether leading a project in the office or engaging in the community. He is appreciated for his dedication and for setting a positive example for others.
Contracts & Grants Specialist & Ombudsman
Chang consistently exhibits exemplary behavior in his daily role. No matter the challenge, he approaches his work and colleagues with a warm smile and remarkable patience. He listens carefully, remains open-minded, and brings a solutions-oriented mindset to his work.
Interim Fiscal Manager, Office of Central Fiscal & Human Resources
Keenan is recognized for polished professionalism, a positive attitude, and a willingness to go the extra mile. His work makes a meaningful difference for JABSOM and UH, and he consistently helps raise the standard for those around him.
KCCAS Budget Lead
Andrew consistently communicates with tact, confidence, and deliberate intent. As an exceptional and active listener, he balances compassion with professional firmness and is deeply appreciated by his team and leadership.
Academic Support Specialist, Department of Medicine
Julieta supports medical student activities in the Department of Medicine, including rotations, electives, faculty coordination, evaluations, letters of recommendation, teaching recognition, student interest group meetings, clinical faculty oversight, and the Dr. Elizabeth Tam Medicine Academy. Her extensive knowledge of students and willingness to go above and beyond reflect her deep commitment to medical education.
Janitor, Office of Facilities Management
Linda consistently demonstrates exceptional professionalism and dedication. She maintains the environment to high standards while serving as a source of positivity, greeting others with an authentic smile and kind words that help foster a welcoming campus atmosphere.
Mahalo to each honoree for helping make professionalism visible through everyday actions, leadership, and care.
Honoring JABSOM community members recognized over the years for professionalism, compassion, teamwork, leadership, and service.
Resident | April 15, 2026
Recognized for providing compassionate, professional, and non-judgmental care during a stressful pediatric emergency visit at Kapiʻolani Medical Center. Her kindness and thorough care helped reassure a worried parent that her child was in good hands.
Medical Student | April 15, 2026
Recognized for providing compassionate, professional, and non-judgmental care during a stressful pediatric emergency visit at Kapiʻolani Medical Center. His kindness and thorough care helped reassure a worried parent that her child was in good hands.
Medical Student | August 4, 2024
Ryan consistently goes above and beyond in all domains of life, including patient care, academic work, family, and friendships. He sets a high standard for himself and his peers, whether competing in the Oahu Pentathlon, gaining clinical experience in American Samoa, or rising to the challenge in clinical rotations. Ryan also takes time to mentor others, including helping a friend through the medical school application process.
Landscaper | April 29, 2024
Jimmy is recognized for the pride he takes in caring for the JABSOM grounds. His work helps make the campus beautiful and welcoming for visitors, employees, and students. Mahalo for all that you do.
Resident, Family Medicine Residency Program | May 29, 2024
Dr. Lee demonstrated selfless service, teamwork, and conscientiousness by helping coordinate continuity prenatal care and reviewing her schedule to support OB call coverage for fellow residents so they could optimize their rotation learning opportunities.
Fiscal Specialist | March 13, 2024
Keenan exemplifies professionalism in all endeavors at JABSOM. He goes above and beyond to provide resources and training materials for department administrators with grace, and he is always willing to help. His calm demeanor, respectful communication, and problem-solving skills foster a positive atmosphere for staff and faculty.
Staff | July 21, 2023
The Office of OIT is recognized for helpful training sessions for the new website. Aaron led a detailed tutorial, and the team was patient and responsive in answering questions while supporting the transition to the new site.
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine | June 3, 2023
Dr. Ricalde, a proud JABSOM alumnus, is recognized for contributing his time and knowledge through preceptorship and mentorship programs. He continues to volunteer in service to the houseless community and supports the Imi Hoʻola Program selection process to help expand opportunity for future physicians.
Professor, Cell & Molecular Biology | April 22, 2023
Mahalo to Dr. Peter Hoffman, Dr. Olivier LeSaux, Dr. Bob Nichols, Kari Kim, and many others who made the 2023 JABSOM Biomedical Sciences and Health Disparities Symposium, including the INBRE session, a resounding success. Mahalo also to the judges and faculty mentors who supported the event.
Staff | April 21, 2023
Facilities and Mailroom personnel are recognized for their behind-the-scenes support and for helping keep everything running smoothly. Mahalo to the Facilities shop and Mailroom teams for their dedication and service to JABSOM.
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine | July 18, 2023
Dr. Suetsugu is a model clinician and faculty member who elevates the performance of everyone around her. She mentors numerous residents, medical students, and junior faculty members, and is recognized for her expertise in systems-based practice and navigating the Queen's health care system for complex patients.
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs | May 26, 2023
Dr. Buenconsejo-Lum is recognized for her extraordinary contributions to JABSOM, its people, and the broader community. She models professionalism through calm leadership, responsiveness, organization, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to guiding the school forward.
Staff | April 22, 2023
Mahalo nui to Noelani Ching for her tireless efforts in coordinating an outstanding AAMC Western Group Collaborative regional meeting on April 14-17, 2023. The conference reflected the tremendous work of a large team of JABSOM volunteer staff, faculty, and students who shared the aloha spirit throughout the weekend.
Staff | April 21, 2023
The JABSOM Custodial Crew and EHS team are recognized for keeping the building and grounds clean, safe, and supported every day. Their flexibility, service, and work ethic have made a meaningful difference for the JABSOM ʻohana.
Staff | November 28, 2022
Recognized as a great media team, Matthew, Deborah, Vina, and Janell consistently go above and beyond to share the passions, achievements, and good work of JABSOM community members.
Program Manager | October 21, 2022
Mavis is recognized as a model of effective leadership and a supportive supervisor. She is dedicated to her work, holds staff to high standards, supports professional development and advancement, seeks input from colleagues, and shows up with positivity and commitment.
