At the University of Hawaiʻi, Giving Day is a 24-hour fundraising event to support our UH students and embrace the rich diversity and expansive reach of our university system.
At JABSOM, where more than 90 percent of students are awarded some form of scholarship, donors make a great impact in their journeys in medicine. For first-year medical student Emma Pinnow, that journey started with the ʻImi Hoʻōla Post Baccalaureate Program.
Ahead of a Giving Day appearance on Hawaii News Now, we sat down with Emma.
Q: Emma, how did ʻImi Hoʻōla put you on a path to medicine?
A: I come from a family deeply rooted in Hawaii’s public school system, so while education was always the priority, medicine was a brand-new endeavor for me. My dream was always to stay home, to be near family and learn to provide care specifically tailored to our people here in Hawaii. ʻImi Hoʻōla, which means “those who seek to heal” in 'Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, was the bridge to that dream. It’s a rigorous 12-month journey, and completing it provided me with automatic admission to JABSOM. But more than just a seat in the class, it gave me the foundational competence and the unshakeable support system I needed. I didn’t just gain knowledge, I gained a cohort, mentors, and a community that believed in my potential when I was just starting out. What truly changed the trajectory for me was the generosity of our donors. I was fully prepared to take on a massive financial burden to pursue this path, but because of their support, my experience was tuition-free. This didn't just save money, it gave me the gift of time and focus. Instead of juggling my studies with a job, I can dedicate 100% of my energy to the rigors of medical school. It only takes one group of people to believe in you to open a door. For me, that door was ʻImi Hoʻōla. It allowed me to show my potential and has put me on a path to serve the community that raised me.
Q: What are your goals in medicine?
A: I’m currently a little more than halfway through my first year, and honestly, it’s been very exciting. Every week I’m exposed to a new specialty or a different organ system, and I’m making it my goal to learn as much as I can and to lean into every opportunity to the fullest extent. While I haven't settled on a specific specialty yet, I have settled on the where and the who. No matter what field I choose, I am committed to serving the people of Hawaiʻi. This is my home, and I truly can’t imagine being anywhere else. Being Native Hawaiian, I am especially aware of the health disparities our community faces, particularly with cardiometabolic disease. One of my primary goals in medicine is to directly address these inequities. I want to take the education we receive here at JABSOM, which emphasizes culturally-competent care, and apply it in a way that resonates with our local population. Ultimately, my goal is to bridge the gap between high-level medical science and the unique cultural needs of our islands. Giving back to the community that raised me is my way of honoring where I come from.
Q: What role do donors and scholarships play in making a medical student's dream come true?
A: People often talk about the financial cost of medical school, but we don't always talk about the human cost. High levels of medical debt are directly linked to physician burnout, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization. When a doctor is burdened by financial stress, it can create a significant barrier to providing the high-quality, compassionate care that our people deserve. Being debt-free through the support of scholarships is an incredible privilege because it protects that compassion. It allows students to focus entirely on the rigors of their education and their patients rather than worrying about finances. By eliminating the barrier of cost, donors are ensuring a wider, more diverse range of qualified individuals can enter the workforce to serve our community. On a personal level, I think about this every day. Between my early years in Hilo and growing up in Ewa Beach, I’ve seen firsthand how much our local families rely on dedicated healthcare. Looking back, that young girl never could have imagined that I’d be standing here today, pursuing my dream of becoming a physician, let alone doing it debt-free. I was prepared for the burden, but instead, I was given a door that was held open by the generosity of our community. It really highlights that no contribution is too small. Big or small, it all makes a difference. To the donors, you aren't just funding a degree, you are investing in the health of Hawaiʻi’s future. You gave this girl from Hawaii a chance to focus on her community, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.
