Family Medicine is the core of Dr. Lee Buenconsejo-Lum, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, who was honored as the 2025 Family Physician of the Year by the Hawaiʻi Academy of Family Physicians. This recognition highlights a local family medicine physician who has made significant contributions to their community.
Dr. Buenconsejo-Lum, who hails from Wahiawa, identified the need for quality healthcare in rural communities at a young age. She would later go on to graduate from JABSOM in 1994, and then graduated from the inaugural cohort of the UH Family Medicine Residency Program in 1997. From then on, she became a champion for providing healthcare for areas in the greater Pacific where healthcare is not easily attainable.
During her time in residency, Dr. Buenconsejo-Lum continued her JABSOM connection by providing mentorship for medical students, and later became the Designated Institutional Official (DIO) that oversaw all residency and fellowship programs at JABSOM. Despite her many roles and responsibilities over the years, Dr. Buenconsejo-Lum never strayed away from her roots as a Wahiawa resident and as a family medicine physician, incorporating a level of relatability to patients and colleagues while maintaining professionalism in her work environment.
Dr. Leimomi Kanagusuku (JABSOM MD 2018) gained wisdom from Dr. Buenconsejo-Lum as a student and later in residency, demonstrating her lasting impact on subsequent generations of physicians. Now a faculty herself, she still acknowledges Dr. Buenconsejo-Lum as an example of a family medicine physician.
“She truly exemplifies excellence in so many ways as a physician, educator, community member, and leader,” Kanagusuku said. “Dr. Buenconsejo-Lum has the tenacity, smarts, and energy to wear so many hats and look flawless in doing so, and we wanted to recognize her for her dedication and passion for her craft. Family medicine in Hawaiʻi is better because of her, and we are proud to call her one of our own.”
"I'm humbled to receive an award for something that continues to bring me such joy. No matter how hectic life gets, I still enjoy seeing my patients, and they help center me,” Buenconsejo-Lum said. “The work of Family Medicine is especially important during this time of rapid change. It's critical that we provide continuity, stability, and a holistic approach to patient care because that's what our patients deserve.”
