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The physician shortage in Hawaiʻi remains a significant issue for our residents, and The Freeman Foundation’s contributions go a long way in keeping doctors in Hawaiʻi.
The Freeman Foundation was established in 1993 through the bequest and in memory of businessman and benefactor Mansfield Freeman, who worked for the company that would later be known as the American International Group (AIG).
While Mansfield Freeman was from Vermont, he spent many years in China. He wanted to create a foundation that would facilitate the development of mutual understanding among Americans and East Asians.
In 1993, the Freeman Foundation was created. Keeping in line with Mr. Freeman’s vision, over the last three years, residents and fellows at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine have received very generous donations.
The Freeman Foundation rewards three committed JABSOM graduates with a one-time $40,000 award to offset qualified educational student loans. Graduate Medical Education plays a big role too as awardees agree to practice medicine in Hawai‘i for two years following residency or fellowship training in exchange for student loan relief.
2025 marks the sixth year that JABSOM graduates have been honored with relief funds. This year’s recipients are Dr. Megan Blair, Dr. Russell Dean Piʻimauna Kackley, and Dr. Shelley Wong (see image below).
Megan Blair, MD
Pediatric Resident
Dr. Megan Blair is from Wailuku, Maui. She is a graduate of Henry Perrine Baldwin High School and received her B.S. in Biological Sciences from Chapman University in Orange, California. She completed her medical school training at Western University, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest in Lebanon, Oregon. Dr. Blair is currently in her last year of Pediatric Residency at the University of Hawaiʻi Pediatric Residency Program. After residency, she will be returning to her island community of Maui to serve as a general pediatrician. She is very appreciative of all the faculty, friends, and family that have supported her on this journey to become a pediatrician. She is excited for the opportunity to help the keiki of Maui grow up to be healthy and strong in body, mind and heart.
Russell Dean Piʻimauna Kackley, MD
Addiction Psychiatry Fellow
Dr. Russell Dean Pi'imauna Kackley grew up in Hilo and graduated high school from Kamehameha Schools Keaʻau Campus. He went to the University of Colorado at Boulder for undergraduate studies, and completed medical school at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. He is currently an Addiction Psychiatry Fellow at the University of Hawaiʻi. He is passionate about reducing health disparities in vulnerable populations, with a focus on Native Hawaiians. He is honored to serve as a physician in Hawaii and he is looking forward to the work that lies ahead.
Shelley Wong, MD
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow
Dr. Shelley Wong was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. She is a graduate of St. Andrew’s Priory and received her B.S. in Food Science and Human Nutrition, Dietetics from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. After graduating from the John A. Burns School of Medicine, she completed her general psychiatry residency at the University of Hawaiʻi and fast-tracked into the University of Hawaiʻi Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship. She is deeply thankful to the people and communities of Hawaiʻi who shaped her journey, supported her growth, and trusted her to care for their loved ones. She looks forward to caring for children and families across the islands and hopes to inspire future physicians along the way.