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For more information, email HMA or call (808) 536-7702 ext. 110.
Hawaii Medical Association Announces New President
Hawaii Medical Association to Honor Local Physicians and Community Members at Ola Pono Ike Medical Gala
United States Senate Failure to Avert Medicare Cuts Hurts Hawaii
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Hawaii Medical Association Announces New President
Honolulu--Hawaii Medical Association (HMA), the state's largest professional membership organization for physicians, is pleased to announce the inauguration of its 155th president.
Morris M. Mitsunaga, MD, recently began his one-year term as HMA president, a volunteer position. His role will be to help position HMA and its county medical societies to be a resource and advocate for physicians and the community.
“In these troubled economic times and the transitions with the nation’s health system reform,” says Dr. Mitsunaga, “it is critical for physicians of multiple specialties and practice types to be undivided, sending a single unified message in the ongoing debate over our ailing health care system.”
Dr. Mitsunaga, Chief of Orthopedics at the Queen’s Medical Center, joins HMA officers Dr. Stephen Kemble, treasurer; Dr. Roger Kimura, president-elect; Dr. Thomas Kosasa, secretary; and Dr. Robert Marvit, immediate past president.
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About Hawaii Medical Association
Since receiving its charter from King Kamehameha IV in 1856, Hawaii Medical Association (HMA) has been dedicated to serving physicians, their patients, and the community through representation, advocacy, and public service. HMA is the Hawaii state affiliate of the American Medical Association.
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Hawaii Medical Association to Honor Local Physicians and Community Members at Ola Pono Ike Medical Gala
Honolulu, HI – Hawaii Medical Association (HMA) is pleased to announce its 2010 award winners, to be honored at its ninth annual “Ola Pono Ike” medical gala. The event, presented by HMA and the Honolulu County Medical Society, is held each year to raise awareness of critical health care issues, raise funds to support medically-related causes, and recognize extraordinary physicians and community leaders who strive to improve the health of Hawaii residents.
“These outstanding individuals exemplify the spirit of service and advocacy,” says Dr. Robert Marvit, HMA President. “We are honored to recognize them for their dedication to making Hawaii a healthier, safer place to live.”
Ola Pono Ike, which means “Health is Knowledge”, will take place October 2, 5:30 pm at the Sheraton Waikiki. The guest speaker is J. James Rohack, MD, immediate past president of the American Medical Association. The program also features the inauguration of HMA’s 155th President, Morris Mitsunaga, MD. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the HMA Auxiliary Endowment for the John A. Burns School of Medicine, which supports medical student scholarships.
Award Winners:
• Linda Rasmussen, MD – Physician of the Year: Dr. Rasmussen, an orthopedic surgeon committed to achieving a voice for physicians and patients, is recognized for her passionate advocacy and donating countless hours of her time and talents for the health of individual patients and the community.
• Neal Winn, MD – Lifetime Achievement Award (in memoriam): Dr. Winn, a respected obstetrician who passed away earlier this year, is honored for his lifelong dedication to improving health care in Hawaii and his significant contributions to Hawaii’s community health services.
• Senator Clarence Nishihara - Legislator of the Year: Senator Nishihara, who represents the 18th District, is recognized for his attention to the health care issues facing our state and outstanding advocacy on behalf of physicians and patients.
• Arthur and Jodie Roeca – President’s Award: Mr. and Ms. Roeca, attorneys at Roeca, Louie & Hiraoka, LLP are honored for consistently volunteering their valuable services and expertise to physicians and future physicians in Hawaii.
The evening also includes a silent art auction and live music by Dr. Jazz, and is open to the public. Tables of ten are $1,500 each and individual seats are $150. Tickets may be purchased online at HMA’s online store (go to www.hmaonline.net) or by calling HMA, (808) 536-7702.
Ola Pono Ike is sponsored in part by: HMAA, MIEC, Physicians Exchange of Honolulu, Hale Pawa‘a, HMSA, Ohana Health Plan, The Queen's Medical Center, and UHA.
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About Hawaii Medical Association
Since receiving its charter from King Kamehameha IV in 1856, Hawaii Medical Association (HMA) has been dedicated to serving physicians, their patients, and the community through representation, advocacy, and public service. HMA is the Hawaii state affiliate of the American Medical Association.
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United States Senate Failure to Avert Medicare Cuts Hurts Hawaii
Honolulu (February 26, 2010)—Reports that the U.S. Senate adjourned early for the weekend without averting the drastic 21 percent cut in Medicare and TRICARE reimbursements are a serious cause of concern for Hawaii. The cuts, scheduled to take effect Monday, March 1st, are likely to further decrease access to care for Hawaii’s current and future seniors and military families.
“We are shocked that the U.S. Senate could take this issue so lightly,” said Hawaii Medical Association President Robert Marvit, MD. “Hawaii’s patients will bear the brunt of the Senate’s inaction to protect access to health care in our state and across the nation.”
Medicare reimbursements do not cover the ever-increasing costs of providing care, and recently reduced Hawaii Medicaid reimbursements, which are based on Medicare rates, will likely be cut further. Many physicians and health care providers in Hawaii, in order to keep their practices open, have already taken the difficult step of limiting the number of Medicare and Medicaid patients they see. Combined with possible delays in Medicaid reimbursements to Hawaii’s providers due to the state’s financial shortfalls, these steep cuts will exacerbate the issue.
MedPAC, Congress’ advisory body on Medicare, has noted that about one in four Medicare patients seeking a primary care physician have trouble finding one. In Hawaii, where physician shortages are critical in many areas of the state, the results of cuts could surpass crisis levels.
“After years of requests to Congress that they fix the Medicare payment system, it was high time the Senate took action once and for all,” said Dr. Marvit. “Hopefully, our state legislators will take the initiative this year to help offset this crisis.”
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About Hawaii Medical Association
Since receiving its charter from King Kamehameha IV in 1856, Hawaii Medical Association (HMA) has been dedicated to serving physicians, their patients, and the community through representation, advocacy, and public service. HMA is the Hawaii state affiliate of the American Medical Association.
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