Doctors give $10K in scholarships

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The physician leadership of Hilo Medical Center’s medical staff presented $10,000 in scholarships to invest in health care careers and improve the quality of care in East Hawaii.

The physician leadership of Hilo Medical Center’s medical staff presented $10,000 in scholarships to invest in health care careers and improve the quality of care in East Hawaii.

The $2,500 scholarships were awarded to staff and family affiliated with Hilo Medical Center: Tracey Silva, a licensed practical nurse and surgical technologist in the operating room who is enrolled in the associate degree nursing program at Hawaii Community College; Jewel Andrade-Ikawa, a clerk in the Patient Services Department, enrolled in the bachelor of science program in healthcare administration at Grand Canyon University; Reina Sako, the daughter of dietician Janet Sako, enrolled in the diagnostic ultrasound program at Seattle University; Maria Pollack, an LPN in the long term care department, enrolled in the associate degree nursing program at Hawaii Community College.

“This year’s candidates were selected because their applications were exceptional and conveyed great potential to improve the quality of health care of the people of Hawaii Island.” said Dr. Edwin Montell, chief of staff.

The scholarship program was created by members of Hilo Medical Center’s medical staff. Physicians funded this program with the goal of investing in and supporting Hilo Medical Center staff and their family members.

“This scholarship means so much for me and my family,” said Silva. “I am so proud to be a part of the HMC team and look forward to working here for many years to come.”

“This scholarship allows me to continue to work hard to achieve a degree in health care administration,” said Andrade-Ikawa. “I am very appreciative and grateful for this opportunity to further my education.”

“This scholarship will help me advance my skills to better take care of the people around me,” said Pollack. “I’m very thankful and grateful to all of the people who have made this possible.”

“I’m very thankful to receive this award as it will help me pursue my goal of becoming a cardiac sonographer and returning to Hilo to work at Hilo Medical Center,” said Sako.