Dr. Keawe Kaholokula Elected to the National Academy of Medicine

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The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) announced the induction of 100 new members for 2024. Joseph Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula, PhD, Professor and Department Chair of Native Hawaiian Health at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, is the second active faculty member to represent the University of Hawaiʻi.  

NAM Inductees were elected through a process that recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health. 

Kaholokula is believed to be the first Native Hawaiian elected to the National Academy of Medicine. The NAM cites Dr. Kaholokula for “pioneering evidence-based interventions using Indigenous cultural values and practices to improve cardiovascular, diabetes, and obesity disparities for thousands of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NH/PI). He spans science and practice, provides direction to health care systems serving NH/PI, advocates for NH/PI, and develops NH/PI scientists.”

“I understand it to be one of the highest honors for a scientist in the U.S. and a recognition of not just the quality of their research and the impact of their research, but the service on a national level when it comes to influencing policy and health care in our communities,” Kaholokula said. 

Joining Chien-Wen Tseng, MD, MSEE, MPH, Kaholokula’s election to the NAM makes him the second active UH member in this exclusive club. Suzanne P. Murphy, PhD., RD, retired UH Cancer Center Researcher, was elected in 2010. Dean Emeritus Jerris Hedges MD, MS, MMM, was elected in 2000. 

“Dr. Kaholokula’s election to the National Academy of Medicine is a groundbreaking moment for the John A. Burns School of Medicine, but also the Native Hawaiian community. Through his community-engaged research, culturally grounded interventions, and community-based trials, he has earned community trust and ensured their global representation,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker. “Keawe has fought to uncover health disparities in Native Hawaiians and his work will profoundly impact disease prevention in this population for generations to come.” 

Established in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, the NAM addresses critical issues in health, science, medicine, and related policy and inspires positive actions across sectors. NAM works alongside the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding of STEMM. With their election, NAM members commit to volunteer their service in National Academies activities.

While Kaholokula feels privileged to join this exclusive club, he sees this achievement as an opportunity to continue the important, trailblazing work he’s done over the last three decades.

“It’s an opportunity to have a seat at the table. It's an opportunity to ensure that our community's voices are recognized and heard when it comes to national policies and practices around health care and public health,” Kaholokula said. “I think the most important aspect of this election to the National Academy of Medicine is that it opens the door for other Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders to be able to serve and have a seat at the table in this way. I know that's a huge kuleana, so it’s something I don't take lightly.”
this is a headshot of dr. kaholokula