ʻImi Hoʻōla

ʻImi Hoʻōla (Hawaiian for “those who seek to heal”) has played a major role in accomplishing JABSOM’s mission to improve health care in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific by increasing the number of physicians through a 12-month educational program that addresses students’ academic and professional needs. ʻImi Hoʻōla’s goal is to increase the physician workforce and produce physicians who demonstrate a strong commitment to practice in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. 

The ʻImi Hoʻōla is a Program located within the Department of Native Hawaiian Health designed to provide educational opportunities to students who are deemed capable of succeeding in medical school. Each school year, up to 12 students are selected to participate in this Program. Applicants to the ʻImi Hoʻōla Program have demonstrated strong leadership skills, humanism, motivation, and a commitment to serve communities in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.

The ʻImi Hoʻōla curriculum emphasizes the integration of concepts and principles in the sciences and humanities and enhances students’ communication and critical-thinking skills.  Upon successful completion of the program, students matriculate into the JABSOM MD program as first-year medical students.  

For frequently asked questions about the ʻImi Hoʻōla Post-Baccalaureate Program, click here.

ʻImi Hoʻōla has expanded its outreach efforts and developed partnerships with local high schools, colleges, and community-based health organizations. These partnerships help to create an educational path for students to enter and graduate from college and pursue medicine and allied health careers.