HI SR50

Hawaii faces a significant physician shortage, with the John A. Burns School of Medicine reporting a deficit of 655 full-time equivalent physicians (20% shortfall) and projecting a shortage of 800 physicians by 2020.

The Farrington High School Health Academy, established in 1991, serves as a successful model offering a three-year interdisciplinary program to sophomores and juniors interested in health care careers.

The Farrington Health Academy received the United States Department of Education Secretary's Award for Outstanding Vocational Technical Education Program in 1996 and partners with healthcare organizations including the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, University of Hawaii, and John A. Burns School of Medicine.

The Department of Education, Department of Health, and health care industry are requested to establish health academies at high schools throughout Hawaii by replicating the Farrington High School Health Academy model.

Certified copies of the resolution are to be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Education, and Director of Health for dissemination to health care industry entities.