Throughout his life, Dr. Benjamin Young experienced a series of “lucky breaks.” He narrowly graduated high school, got accepted in a small college where he eventually met his wife DeDe, pursued medicine through the work of medical missionary Dr. Denny Pruett, and became one of the pioneers of the Hōkūleʻa voyage. Not only that, he is a renaissance man and role model to many kauka (Native Hawaiian doctors), as he became the first Native Hawaiian psychiatrist.
However, he considers returning home to Hawaii to raise up future physicians as his “luckiest break” of all.
His legacy as founder of the ‘Imi Ho‘ōla Post-Baccalaureate Program was recognized on December 6. ‘Imi alumni, faculty, staff and esteemed guests gathered in the newly-named Dr. Benjamin Young Classroom.
The renaming of the current ‘Imi Ho‘ōla classroom was announced at the program’s 50th anniversary last year, with the generous donation of Drs. Thomas Kosasa and Osamu Fukuyama (JABSOM MD 1976). As a JABSOM student, Dr. Fukuyama was inspired by the leadership of Dr. Young, who served as the Dean of Students at the time, and wanted to honor him in a small, yet, impactful way.
“I was really stunned,” said Dr. Young, recalling the memory of that night. “It’s amazing and it’s humbling. The classroom is where training takes place. And these are the training grounds for the future physicians, who are going to occupy some key roles in healthcare delivery in Hawaiʻi.”
A plaque with Dr. Young’s story is featured in the classroom. At the top of the plaque reads the phrase ‘Ua kanu ‘ia nā ‘ano’ano; ke mōhala ma nei nā pua,” which translates to “The seeds have been planted; the flowers are now blooming.” It’s a testament to the generational impact that Dr. Young initiated over the years.
Dr. Angela Pratt, an ‘Imi and JABSOM alumna, shared her gratitude to Dr. Young and ‘Imi for giving her the opportunity to practice medicine.
“[‘Imi] built the foundation for me to grow in a lot of ways. Not only academically, but as a leader in the community and to realize that I can do something for the lāhui (people), to improve and to push it forward. I feel like I’m only as successful and effective as the ones who helped me get there. So I stand on the shoulders of incredible giants. Dr. Young is one of them, and of course my mentor, Dr. Thomas Kosasa.”
Third-year student D-Dré Wright, who Dr. Young personally took under his wing, also shared her sentiments about her mentor.
“I can’t think of a better recipient for this,” she said. “He’s paved the path that I’ve been on and will continue to go on for the rest of my life. He got me started on my journey to becoming a physician to hopefully become an orthopedic surgeon.”
DeDe Young beamed with pride seeing her husband, who she considers fortunate to walk alongside for more than 60 years, receive recognition for a program that has played a pivotal role in medical students and physicians alike.
“His whole life, he's followed his passion, which is finding people that he feels need help,” DeDe Young said. And that's what he did. To get a recognition like this is unexpected, and he didn't do it for the recognition. He did it because for his love of Hawaiʻi and the students and whatever he brings, anything.”
Dr. Young’s legacy continues to span decades, and it’s one that he doesn’t hold lightly. He continues to advocate for future physicians, especially those of Native Hawaiian descent.
“People keep telling me I’m the first Native Hawaiian to be in the field of psychiatry, but that’s not so important,” Dr. Young said. “What’s more important is that I wasn’t the last. There’s so many to come after me. What a lucky break I’ve had all my life.”
See photos from the dedication below:
