Friends of the Medical School

The Friends of the Medical School (FOMS) was formed in 1976 to:

• enhance the experience of medical students, residents and fellows as “physicians-in-training;”
• inform and engage the families of “physicians-in-training;” and
• help JABSOM increase opportunities for alumni to practice medicine in Hawaiʻi.

The primary activities of the organization are:

• Providing financial and volunteer support for the annual White Coat Ceremony for in-coming first-year medical students
• Staging ʻOhana Day for the parents and families of in-coming first-year medical students. This half day event gives families an overview of the medical school experience the students are embarking on, provides an opportunity for families to meet, and welcomes them into the JABSOM ʻohana.
• Providing financial and volunteer support for Convocation
• Sponsoring three Convocation awards.
  • Poʻokela Noʻeau Award was established in 1997 to recognize the student selected by his or her class as having characteristics which best exemplify the quality of the ideal physician. The recipient is selected by the 4th year class.
  • Poʻokela Noiʻi Award was established in 1997 to recognize outstanding research by a medical student selected by a faculty panel.
  • Poʻokela Pono Award was established in 2013 to recognize the student who best demonstrates imperturbability in all situations and who reponds quickly, calmly and accurately in providing medical assistance.
• Hosting the JABSOM student Osler Society which is dedicated to perpetuating the life, teachings, and ethical example of Sir William Osler.