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Twelve students have joined the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine‘s (JABSOM) ʻImi Hoʻōla Program, a 53-year initiative to prepare future physicians and strengthen Hawaiʻi‘s healthcare workforce.

The year-long post-baccalaureate program provides academic preparation and support for students pursuing medical careers, with an emphasis on serving Hawaiʻi communities.

The new class includes Swasthita Sadagopan, Dannia Andrade, Camarin Camacho, Johnathan Cornell, Lawrence Gerald Guittap, Kody Kobayashi, Tiffany-Ryan Kusano, Alexia Maki, Nathan Paz, Alessandra Clariss Ramirez, Gabriela Siaosi and Moeko Teter.

Sadagopan, a Mililani native and UH Mānoa biology graduate, said mentors helped her overcome doubts about pursuing medicine. She conducted research with JABSOM’s Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and was encouraged to apply to ʻImi Hoʻōla by physician and program graduate January May Andaya, and professor Ben Fogelgren.

“I’m very thankful for them,” said Sadagopan. “For them to tell me that I’m capable of doing it was really reassuring.”

The class recently met ʻImi Hoʻōla alumni and current medical students during the program’s annual Open House, which gave students an opportunity to learn about the demands of medical school and the support network that comes with the program.

Kobayashi, who hopes to return to Kauaʻi as a physician, said that support is an important part of the ʻImi experience.

“There are many hands here that are willing to hold you up when you need some help,” he said. “We’re always going to have someone who’s there for us.”

Ramirez, who grew up in Waipahu and attended Chapman University in California, said ʻImi Hoʻōla is also helping her achieve her goal of returning home to practice medicine.

“It’s always been my goal and my dream to come back to Hawaiʻi after completing my higher education in California or in the mainland,” Ramirez said. “So I’m really happy that ʻImi Hoʻōla was my opportunity to come home.”

Since 1973, 327 ʻImi Hoʻōla participants have graduated from JABSOM, with many going on to become physicians and leaders in Hawaiʻi.

Read more at JABSOM.