HI SR79

Urges Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) hospitals and clinics to accept medical student rotations from A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, and other Hawaii-based medical schools.

Requests HHSC and Hawaii Primary Care Association to develop a plan for placing medical students from Hawaii-based schools in HHSC facilities for clinical rotations.

Cites severe shortage of health care providers in rural and medically underserved areas of Hawaii, with most areas outside Oahu federally designated as Medically Underserved Areas or Health Professional Shortage Areas.

Notes that national studies demonstrate substantial residency training in rural areas increases physician placement and retention in rural practices, and that student rotations help develop community connections for future service providers.

Directs certified copies of the resolution to the Governor, Director of Health, HHSC Chief Executive Officer, John A. Burns School of Medicine Dean, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center Chief Executive Officer, and Hawaii Medical Association Executive Director.