Hawaiʻi Macula and Retina Institute (HMRI) was established in 1993 as a center of excellence for the study of retinal diseases. HMRI is an affiliate of The Retina Center at Pali Momi and Retina Consultants of Hawaiʻi. HMRI has been pioneering new surgical techniques to help improve retinal surgeries for both the patient and surgeon. These range from scleral fixation of dislocated posterior chamber intraocular lenses, and various management options for macular holes. Because of this surgical expertise, HMRI was the first site in the Asia-Pacific region to perform the “Bionic Eye” surgery for retinitis pigmentosa, which is a disease which can result in complete blindness due to loss of the photoreceptors. As a result of research and clinical explorations, HMRI has authored over 110 peer-reviewed publications to major ophthalmology journals as well as book chapters. The hope is that through these publications, HMRI will help to advance the field of retinal disease management and surgery by its unique contributions.
Contact: Gregg Kokame gkokame@hawaii.edu
The Research & Innovation Division of the Straub Bone & Joint Center is dedicated to evaluating conservative and surgical treatments for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions/injuries. Our most notable line of research focuses on the development, progression and treatment of osteoarthritis across the lifespan. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, we translate our research into tangible clinical changes to ensure we provide the best care to our unique patient population. These research agendas also provide opportunities to engage with JABSOM students, as we combine available research projects and a lecture series to encourage confidence and professional research autonomy for aspiring physicians.
Contact: Cass Nakasone onohunter@icloud.com
Hawaiʻi Pacific Neuroscience is one of Hawaiʻi’s leading providers of neuroscience care and a global leader in research and advancing innovations in neuroscience. It is recognized nationally for their work in neuroscience conducted at the Clinical Research Center and BRITL (Brain Research, Innovation & Translation Labs). HPN’s robust clinical and academic research programs fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Physicians and scientists work closely within and across centers, institutes, and schools to collaborate whether they are basic laboratory-based scientists, biostatisticians or clinicians to encourage cross-disciplinary translation bench to bedside research.
Contact: Kore Liow, MD kliow@hawaii.edu
The Neuroscience Institute at the Queen’s Medical Center is Hawaiʻi’s premiere provider of acute care and outpatient neurology and neurosurgical services. It encompasses the state’s first designated Comprehensive Stroke Center and only 24/7 thrombectomy-capable site, the only Level 4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, and the only Level 1 Trauma Center. Our Research Program manages a diverse portfolio of clinical trials ranging from interventions in Parkinson’s Disease and headache to acute stroke, stroke prevention, intracerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. Our investigators also pursue a number of independent and multidisciplinary scholarly projects of potential interest to student researchers, including rare case reports, observational studies, epidemiological research, and translational science. Research project mentorship is paired with clinical shadowing opportunities with Neuroscience Institute physicians in order to enhance the educational experience of aspiring JABSOM physician-investigators.
Contact: Stacy Brown, MD brownsc@hawaii.edu
The Tripler Army Medical Center’s Department of Clinical Investigation (DCI) promotes Tripler Army Medical Center research and keeps the Defense Medical Readiness Research Directorate of the Indo-Pacific at the forefront of research technologies. Through collaborative efforts, DCI leverages scientific expertise with the community to advance healthcare with scientific discoveries, technology development, and evaluation of healthcare strategies to improve health services and support military medical readiness. DCI creates an environment of scholarly inquiry in support of Graduate Professional Health Education and the development of a ready military medical force.
Contact: Catherine F. Yamauchi catherine.f.yamauchi.civ@mail.mil
Currently a physician for the Queen’s Medical Center Liver Transplant Program, as well as a practicing gastroenterologist, Dr. Naoky Tsai has been involved in clinical research on chronic liver disease for many years, has mentored many students and residents, and has produced numerous publications in peer reviewed journals. His main focus has been on viral hepatitis. Viral hepatitis B and C are the leading causes for hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly in the State of Hawaiʻi. With safe therapy available for both viruses, there has been a downward trend in the incidence nationally; but in Hawaiʻi, incidence remains high for certain underserved populations, namely Asian and Pacific Islanders. Through his efforts in collecting and reporting data on these disease burdens to the state authority, Dr. Tsai hopes to enhance the care of these at-risk populations.
Contact: Naoky Tsai, MD naoky@hawaii.edu