For the past three decades, the John A. Burns School of Medicine’s (JABSOM) Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) has inspired and encouraged medical students to pursue primary care specialties through community service, professional development and interactive workshops. According to Hawaiʻi Residency Programs, 80% of graduates from the University of Hawaiʻi Family Medicine Residency Program have continued to serve in the Hawaiʻi and the broader Pacific. Several alumni from that program, however, gained interest in the field of family medicine as JABSOM medical students.
Though FMIG has previously received acknowledgement from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) in the past, 2025 marks the first year that it received the Program of Excellence Overall Award, which is presented to top family medicine interest groups across the country. The award is given to family medicine interest groups who demonstrated competency in areas such as structure and operation, community service, professional development, promoting the value of family medicine and primary care, and networking opportunities.
Some of the group’s highlights from this past year were the FMIG’s participation in the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, where students raised more than $3,000 toward breast cancer research, and engaged with community members at the Okinawan Festival and the Noelani Craft Fair. The interest group also hosted two physician panels featuring primary care physicians who either graduated from JABSOM and/or from the UH Family Medicine Residency Program, as well as suturing and phlebotomy workshops for students.
“It affirms that our FMIG is making an impact on inspiring future family physicians, engaging medical students in primary care, and educating peers about the value of family medicine,” said FMIG student president and second-year student Lindney Acosta.
Acosta, who is also an ʻImi Hoʻōla graduate hailing from Kalihi, understands the importance of serving rural communities and considers her presidency full-circle. She and her family received quality, holistic care from family medicine physicians who also served as guides navigating through the healthcare system and provided resources for her family.
“I draw on my roots when choosing opportunities, and running for FMIG president reflected my respect for and enthusiasm in promoting this field,” Acosta said.
In regards to future aspirations for FMIG, Acosta added, “We hope to continue supporting students passionate about Family Medicine by highlighting the values of continuity of care, community outreach, and patient education, while encouraging them to pursue careers in the field. We also look forward to welcoming the new first year medical students!”
