Could Scholarships Address Molokai’s Doctor Shortage?

Molokai residents are well acquainted with the strained healthcare landscape on-island, especially with the passing of longtime physicians Emmett Aluli and William Thomas in recent years. Now, Alaka’ina Foundation, a Native Hawaiian organization, is looking at attracting medical personnel to Molokai through scholarships.

In addition to funding the Kauka Emmett Noa Auwae Aluli Medical Scholarship, the Alaka’ina Foundation is working on an additional, Molokai-specific scholarship at the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii. According to Alaka’ina Foundation Vice President Kimo Bacon, this scholarship will require recipients to work five years at Molokai General Hospital.

“We’re looking at innovative ideas,” said Bacon.

Bacon, who is a 1971 Kamehameha Schools classmate of Dr. Aluli’s, explained that the organization is also looking at ways of creating housing on Molokai specifically for doctors.

Alaka’ina Foundation has been invested in Molokai for many years, explained Bacon. They currently run a digital bus in conjunction with the Dept. of Education for Molokai students to participate in science and technology studies. The Alaka’ina Foundation also works with Ho’olehua homesteaders to export luau leaves.

In addition to the JABSOM scholarship, Alaka’ina Foundation offers scholarships through the University of Hawaii Foundation, Kamehameha Schools Pauahi Foundation, and Chaminade University – with many aimed specifically for students from rural areas like Molokai.

For more information on Alaka’ina Foundation, Molokai community members can check out alakainafoundation.org.