Physician leadership of Hilo Medical Center’s medical staff recently presented $10,000 in scholarships to invest in health care careers and improve the quality of care in East Hawaii. ADVERTISING Physician leadership of Hilo Medical Center’s medical staff recently presented $10,000
Physician leadership of Hilo Medical Center’s medical staff recently presented $10,000 in scholarships to invest in health care careers and improve the quality of care in East Hawaii.
Four $2,500 scholarships were awarded to the following Hilo Medical Center employee and family members:
• Lorinda Barretto, RN, of the Progressive Care Unit. Barretto is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Barretto was a member of the second nursing class hired through Hilo Medical Center’s Nursing Development Program.
• Hi‘ilei Ishii-Chaves, the daughter of Pat Ishii, a case manager in the Patient Services Department. Ishii-Chaves was accepted to be part of a new program for Native Hawaiian students aspiring to medical school and was accepted at Chaminade University on Oahu to study biology with a pre-medicine emphasis. Ishii-Chaves’ goal is to be a pediatrician or obstetrician, and she plans on returning to the Big Island to give back to this community.
• Jordan Melchor, the daughter of Pam Melchor, a nurse in the Utilization Review Department. Melchor attends the University of Oregon where she has made the dean’s list, joined the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Alpha Phi Omega — a co-ed fraternity that focuses on community service and builds leadership skills. Her goal is to become a radiologist.
• Shaniah Yogi, the daughter of Taryn Yogi, food service manager in the Food and Nutrition Services Department. Yogi volunteered at the hospital and was inspired to pursue a degree in nursing. She is studying at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and is on track for a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
“On behalf of the Medical Executive Committee and the medical staff at Hilo Medical Center, it is my privilege to present these scholarships to these deserving recipients,” said Dr. Francis Cavanaugh, chief of staff. “I am proud to be a member of a medical staff that acknowledges the significance of investing in the future of our community’s health care. I wish each of this year’s scholarship recipients the very best in their pursuit of a meaningful and rewarding career in health care.”
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. The scholarships can be used to further education and skills related to a health care profession, including paying for tuition, books, online subscriptions and, for those students living away from home, room and board.
