Helmsley awards more than $2.2M to advance UH medical training, research

The University of Hawaiʻi has secured two major grants from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, each exceeding $1 million, which will support health-oriented initiatives. One grant will go to the UH Cancer Center and the other to the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM).

“Helmsley is committed to helping communities overcome barriers to care,” said Walter Panzirer, a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “Investing in expanded clinical capacity and hands-on training aligns with our core belief that access to health and opportunity shouldn’t depend on where you live.”

Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center

The UH Cancer Center award will fund essential start-up costs for the groundbreaking new Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center, scheduled to open in March 2026. With the launch of Hoʻōla, local residents will be able to participate in pioneering cancer trials close to home for the first time. Until now, many patients have faced the burden of traveling to the U.S. continent for early-stage studies, or have not been able to afford going at all.

“This support from the Helmsley Trust will help us accelerate the launch of the Hoʻōla Early Phase Center—a critical step toward expanding access to novel cancer treatments for our communities,” said UH Cancer Center Director Naoto T. Ueno, who is a two-time cancer survivor himself. “This aligns with our mission to save lives in Hawaiʻi and in the Pacific, and strengthens our position as a local and national leader in cancer research.”

Advanced training equipment for medical education

Helmsley’s support will enhance medical education statewide by upgrading simulation and training resources at JABSOM and on the neighbor islands. New Anatomage Tables—real-human-based virtual dissection systems—transform the teaching and study of anatomy. Deploying these state-of-the-art tools on the neighbor islands ensures JABSOM students and trainees learning in rural areas will have equitable access to education. In addition, portable ultrasounds and advanced procedural models will expand hands-on learning for students, residents and healthcare professionals.

“The Helmsley Charitable Trust’s investment helps JABSOM continue its commitment to training doctors who are prepared to meet Hawaiʻi’s unique healthcare challenges,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker. “Upgrading our simulation equipment strengthens our capacity to teach with precision, safety and compassion.”

“These gifts demonstrate Helmsley’s belief in UH’s ability to deliver both innovation and impact—from pioneering research to hands-on medical training,” said UH Foundation CEO and UH Vice President of Advancement Tim Dolan. “We are deeply grateful for this support, which strengthens Hawaiʻi’s healthcare future from discovery to delivery.”