Dept. of Health Selects JABSOM Alum to Lead Hawaiʻi State Hospital

Related News Articles
KennethLuke-resized.png

Dr. Kenneth Luke (JABSOM MD 1988) has been tapped to lead Hawaiʻi State Hospital, the state’s only forensic psychiatric hospital.


Dr. Luke, who has been serving as the interim hospital administrator since May, will be overseeing the full operation of the hospital and its 600-plus employees.

“Ken has a broad array of professional experience in Hawaiʻi. His familiarity with our state’s mental health system, as well as his past work in the private sector, make him an excellent selection as the new administrator for the Hawaiʻi State Hospital,” said Marian Tsuji, DOH deputy director for Behavioral Health. “We all look forward to working with him in his new role at the hospital.”

In addition to being a JABSOM grad, Dr. Luke is also a board-certified psychiatrist and completed his residency at JABSOM’s Psychiatry program.

“Dr. Luke is an exceptional psychiatrist and is dedicated to providing compassionate mental health care,” said JABSOM Interim Dean Lee Buenconsejo-Lum, MD. “As the nation navigates a growing mental health crisis, his appointment to lead Hawaiʻi State Hospital is a testament to his outstanding leadership and vision for the state. We are proud that JABSOM alumni like Dr. Luke is leading the state forward to ensure high quality, compassionate care for some of our most vulnerable populations.”