OB-GYN
Dear HPHMG and JABSOM Colleagues,
We are writing together to share important news regarding a significant leadership transition for our organizations. After decades of distinguished service, Dr. Ivica Zalud will retire from his positions as Hawai‘i Pacific Health Medical Group (HPHMG) Chief of OB-GYN and Chair and Kosasa Endowed Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM).
Dr. Zalud’s retirement will be effective Jan. 1, 2027. By announcing this transition well in advance, we are committed to ensuring stability and continuity as we conduct a national search for his successor.
During his remarkable career, Dr. Zalud has held numerous key academic and clinical leadership roles. At JABSOM, he has served as Chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health since 2013, following prior appointments as Professor, Acting Chair, Vice-Chair, and Chief of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division. He has also served as Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Program Director, Chief of the OB-GYN Imaging Division, and Associate Professor. In parallel, Dr. Zalud has been HPHMG Chief of OB-GYN since 2021 and has provided expert care as an attending Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children since 2000. His leadership also included serving as Medical Director of the Fetal Diagnostic Center and Gynecologic Ultrasound at Kapi‘olani.
Dr. Zalud’s legacy is defined by transformative service and accomplishments over more than two decades in Hawai‘i, including:
· Growing JABSOM OB-GYN faculty from 29 to 59 and supporting 40 academic promotions.
· Founding Hawai‘i’s first Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship and supporting the Complex Family Planning fellowship.
· Expanding statewide training and access, including establishing the first academic OB-GYN practice on Hawai‘i Island (Hilo).
· Securing over $14.5 million in philanthropy in partnership with the University of Hawai‘i Foundation, resulting in the establishment of three endowed chairs, six endowed professorships, and several endowed programs.
· Overseeing key infrastructure investments: $2 million Pali Momi buildout, $1.5 million Hilo faculty clinic, and $500,000 renovation of academic offices at Kapi‘olani.
· Leading through systems integrations and the COVID‑19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of care and graduate medical education.
· Creating research infrastructure and meaningful community partnerships.
A joint HPHMG-JABSOM search committee will be convened to launch the national recruitment. We will share posting links and committee membership once finalized and invite nominations and referrals from our communities.
Dr. Zalud’s impact extends far beyond our institutions. His vision and dedication have shaped the future of women’s health across Hawai‘i and the Pacific, advancing clinical excellence, education, and access for generations. His mentorship has inspired countless trainees, faculty, and colleagues, and his commitment to service has strengthened our community in immeasurable ways.
On behalf of HPHMG, JABSOM, and the entire community, we extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Zalud for his extraordinary leadership, unwavering compassion, and lasting contributions. We thank him for all he has done for our organizations, for women and families, and for the people of Hawai‘i.
Leslie B. Chun, MD
CEO
Hawai‘i Pacific Health Medical Group
Sam Shomaker, MD, JD, MSM
Dean
John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa