HPU WELCOMES INAUGURAL PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT COHORT TO CAMPUS

HPU recently celebrated its inaugural cohort of Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant (MMS-PA) students at a welcome reception held at the University’s Aloha Tower Marketplace Campus. The event marks the first time a Hawai‘i-based institution is educating physician assistant students in the state.

The program, three years in the making, was strategically designed to meet the healthcare demands of underserved communities in Hawai‘i. With nearly 500 applicants competing for 30 spots, a large majority are Hawai‘i residents and a significant portion are from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“HPU’s inaugural cohort of 30 physician assistant students are poised to be pioneers in the field," remarked HPU Associate Professor and PA Program Director Leocadia Conlon, Ph.D., MPH, PA-C. "Our program was strategically designed to address critical healthcare needs in Hawai‘i, particularly in underserved populations. Our students collectively bring extensive patient care experience, with many having worked directly in local healthcare settings. Every student admitted aligns with our mission, ensuring a cohort deeply committed to making a difference in healthcare.”

HPU’s PA faculty collectively bring over 140 years of clinical experience, including 48 years of experience dedicated to PA education. The rigorous curriculum integrates Hawaiian values and Native Hawaiian health topics, preparing students for culturally competent practice. The hybrid structure curriculum allows students from across the state to remain in their communities while completing their education.

“Under the visionary leadership of Physician Assistant Program Director Leocadia Conlon and our dedicated faculty and staff, this program has been thoughtfully considered to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities ahead,” said HPU Professor and Dean of the Graduate College of Health Sciences Tricia Catalino, PT, DSC. “The need for healthcare has never been greater. In underserved and rural communities, there are gaps in healthcare that only skilled, compassionate providers like these future PAs can fill.”

Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green, M.D., underscored the significance of the program in addressing the state’s physician shortage in a written statement. “The launch of O‘ahu’s only Physician Assistant program marks a significant milestone in our commitment to improving healthcare accessibility, especially in our underserved and rural communities. Your dedication to this challenging and rigorous 24-month curriculum, which beautifully integrates Hawaiian values and Native Hawaiian health topics, sets a powerful example for all who follow in your footsteps.”

PA students at the event gathered with family members and friends and expressed their enthusiasm for the profession and deep commitment to serving their home communities.

“HPU’s PA program is perfectly designed for neighbor island students like me,” said Cole Whitney, a long-time Maui resident. “The ability to study from any island while staying in-state, with the intention of practicing medicine in Hawai‘i, made HPU the ideal choice for me.”

Helene Agbayani, born and raised in Kalihi, shared her journey back to Hawai‘i after earning her undergraduate degree in biology from California State University, Long Beach. “I always wanted to come home but needed the right opportunity,” she shared. “I am very fortunate I was able to get into the program and be home with my family and impact our community here. I hope to stay in Hawai‘i, practice here, and give back to the community that raised me. It’s important for me to be part of a PA program with supportive faculty and classmates, and HPU’s PA program checks all those boxes.”

Sydney Quitoles, a Mililani native and University of California, San Diego graduate, echoed similar sentiments. “I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, to help make history in Hawai‘i and serve the community that gave so much to me. I want to work in Hawai‘i when I graduate, hopefully at The Queen’s Medical Center, but most importantly, working in the Hawai‘i community.”

Joelle Cantiberos, from Kahalu‘u, highlighted the cultural significance of the program. “It’s important to me as a Native Hawaiian to show future generations that they can pursue medicine while staying connected to our heritage. Growing up, Hawaiian culture was, and is, very important. I want to show our current and future generations that you can be in the medial field as a Native Hawaiian. I hope to stay home after I graduate from HPU. Nothing beats being home and being able to serve my community.”

For more information about HPU’s MMS-PA program, click here.