Kauaʻi medical program builds pipeline to address physician shortage

For Thomas Gausepohl, returning to his hometown of Kapaʻa to study medicine at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) is more than a dream come true—it’s a chance to give back. As part of the Kauaʻi Medical Training Track’s fourth cohort, Gausepohl joins a growing number of local students learning to serve their own communities through a unique rural health initiative that’s transforming care on the Garden Isle.

Established with a $10 million gift from Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, the Kauaʻi Medical Training Track (KMTT), aims to cultivate a dedicated cohort of physicians committed to serving rural communities. “Mark and I are so pleased to see the Kauaʻi Medical Training Track welcome its fourth cohort,” said Chan. “With 22 students now in the pipeline, the program will help meet Kauaʻi’s medical needs for years to come.”

Administered by JABSOM, the program offers an immersive training experience on Kauaʻi, allowing medical students to live, learn and train on the island for up to 15 months throughout their four–year education.

“Rather than a brief rotation, this pathway integrates students into the fabric of Kauaʻi so when they graduate, it will be an easier transition for them to return to the community,” said Travis Hong, director of rural training at JABSOM. “In addition to building medical knowledge, we’re developing community connections and long–term commitment.” Students accepted into the program receive extensive support, including tuition, housing and transportation, in exchange for a four–year post–graduation commitment to practice on Kauaʻi. While open to all applicants, the program prioritizes those with local ties or a demonstrated interest in rural medicine.

“Learning alongside doctors and preceptors who serve in Kauaʻi’s rural health system will be invaluable,” said Gausepohl, who was born in Kapaʻa and graduated valedictorian from Kapaʻa High School. “I think it will definitely help me see what this kind of work looks like day to day, and what it means to be part of a team that’s truly serving the community.”

Since its launch, KMTT has attracted increasing interest, drawing numerous applicants for each of the available six slots. It has also generated strong support among Kauaʻi physicians, with 35–40 volunteering as educators and 22 serving as core faculty—all actively practicing on the island.

“Word–of–mouth and media exposure have helped the program grow organically,” said Hong. “And we’re seeing how this kind of sustained, place–based medical education really makes a difference–not only for the students, but for the entire Kauaʻi health care system.”

Kirra Borrello, a fourth–year medical student and a member of the first KMTT cohort, said the program changed the way she thinks about medicine.

“Participation in KMTT has significantly broadened my medical education by combining principles of community engagement and service into traditional clinical training,” she said. “Working closely with the Kauaʻi community preceptors throughout my third year has highlighted the importance of cultural competence and social determinants of health in delivering patient–centered care, especially in a tight–knit rural community such as Kauaʻi.”