Student Life
Geriatrics
As Hawaiʻi's population continues to age, second-year medical student Kristal Xie is helping to shape a future of compassionate, informed care for our kūpuna.
Xie received the Nā Lima Kokua Award from the Hawaiʻi Pacific Gerontological Society, an honor recognizing students who show exceptional dedication to the field of gerontology. The award, presented in memory of the organization's first president, Tony Lenzer, highlights her outstanding work in geriatrics and her service to Hawaiʻi's kūpuna community.
"This experience has strengthened my commitment to advancing the health and well-being of older adults," Xie said. "I am grateful to the scholarship committee for selecting me to receive this award and honored to be named a Nā Lima Kōkua awardee in the Tony Lenzer Scholar Category. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my mentors, notably Dr. Kamal Masaki, as well as my loved ones, for their continued support and encouragement."
First-year medical students at JABSOM are required to participate in community service to increase their exposure to future patients of all ages. That's when Xie began exploring her interest in geriatrics.
" I was selected to be a part of WISH, which stands for Wellness Initiative for Seniors in Hawaiʻi," Xie said.
Through weekly visits at Kuakini Medical Center, Xie and her classmates engaged with kūpuna, learning firsthand how to support their health and well-being.
" We would talk to them, they would give us advice, and I think it really supplemented a lot of the medical education curriculum we were learning in class because we got to see outside of class, how these symptoms manifest and how we as potential, future providers, could care for our kūpuna," Xie said. "I saw how everyday things we take for granted can be challenging, even something as simple as walking a short distance. It made me more aware of how to meet patients where they are and think about what support they might need. Getting this perspective early on will ensure I carry that awareness into future practice."
Xie's participation in WISH also inspired two research projects. One explored ways to strengthen family engagement in the care of older adults. Another addressed the impact of social isolation, emphasizing how connection plays a vital role in maintaining health.
Xie is currently working on research focused on hospital discharge planning for older adults to improve communication during this crucial transition of care and ensure safer recoveries at home.
These projects align closely with the needs of Hawaiʻi's people. By 2035, nearly one-third of the state's residents will be age 65 or older, making geriatrics a growing priority for local healthcare.
"Caring for our kūpuna is an opportunity to serve the community that raised us," Xie said. "I'm thankful to be part of that effort."
Xie's commitment has earned her additional recognition. She received the Gerontology Scholarship from the Japanese Women's Society Foundation, the Dr. Oliver M. Lee Scholarship, and the Associated Chinese University Women Scholarship.
" I'm really grateful to accept those because I talked about my work in gerontology, and I think they also recognize that it is important work and that we do need people who are interested in the field, who are going to help our kūpuna further along in their health and in their lives. So I'm very grateful that people are recognizing the need and supporting me in fulfilling that need."
JABSOM's Department of Geriatric Medicine provides education for medical students and residents and runs one of the largest fellowship programs in the nation. Xie is considering a career in geriatrics after graduating from JABSOM, but in the meantime, she is focusing on research and continuing to work with our kūpuna. She credits mentors JABSOM Geriatric Medicine Chair Dr. Kamal Masaki and Misty Yee for guiding her journey and inspiring her to continue serving Hawaiʻi's aging population.
"Their mentorship showed me how meaningful geriatric medicine can be," Xie said. "I hope to continue that work and contribute to the health and happiness of our kūpuna."