Kauai Medical Training Track

Kauai Medical Training Track

kauai medical training logo

Overview

The Kaua’i Medical Training Track (KMTT) at JABSOM is a rural training track centered on the island of Kaua’i and consists of six students within each incoming class.  This program offers a unique longitudinal opportunity for students to live and train within the Kaua’i community for several months throughout all four years of medical school with a particular focus on the healthcare needs of Kaua’i patients.  

On-island Experiences:

During the preclinical first and second years of medical school, students will participate in several months of PBL tutoring and clinical skills development with on-island faculty, as well as additional service learning opportunities throughout Kaua’i.

During the clinical third and fourth years of medical school, students will live on Kaua’i for their outpatient clerkship semester and several additional clinical rotations and electives.

Program Benefits:

Four-year tuition scholarships are awarded to all students in the KMTT.  Housing and transportation while on Kaua’i are also provided by the program  One of the primary goals of the program is to help address physician shortages in underserved areas, and graduates of the KMTT are committed to practicing medicine on Kaua’i in the four years following residency training.

The Kaua’i Medical Training Track would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative for their very generous donation to this program.

Application to the Kaua’i Medical Training Track is offered to all candidates who receive an invitation to interview for admission at JABSOM.

For any questions about the Kaua’i Medical Training Track, please feel free to contact Dr. Travis Hong via email at travhong@hawaii.edu

MS1 2024 WILCOX OR
MS1s in the Wilcox Medical Center Operating Suite
MS2 PBL AT WILCOX

MS2s during PBL tutorial at Wilcox Medical Center

KMTT RETREAT HIKE AT WAIMEA CANYON
KMTT Retreat hike at Waimea Canyon
MS1S FIRST VISIT AND SIGHTSEEING ON KAUAI
MS1s first visit and sightseeing on Kauai
ANNUAL KMTT COMMUNITY WELCOME RECEPTION
Annual KMTT Community Welcome Reception

The Road to Improving Rural Health (Kauaʻi 2023)

KMTT FAQ

KMTT FAQ

Any applicant to JABSOM who receives a general admissions interview may apply to the KMTT. Both Hawaii residents and non-residents may apply. At the time of the general admissions interview invitation, a KMTT informational flier and application will also be sent.

Applications may start to be submitted at any time via email to Dr. Travis Hong (travhong@hawaii.edu). The application deadline is January 15th, 2025.

No. Although the KMTT application timeline runs concurrently with the general JABSOM admission process, candidates must first be offered admission to JABSOM before they can be offered a spot in the KMTT program.

Your application is reviewed and screened. Interviews are then conducted over Zoom and final decisions are made by the KMTT admission committee. Candidate offers to join the KMTT are made on a rolling basis.

-- Primary differences are in geography and time spent with Kaua`i’s community. KMTT students live on Kauai each year for two to five months, for a total of 15 months over the four years of medical school. KMTT students have significantly more clinical learning opportunities in the first two years than their Oahu counterparts due to the incredible teaching commitment of Kauai physicians. Community events are also included in the curriculum, such as the Kaua`i Public Health Fair, teen health camp, service activities, and a Native Hawaiian healing workshop.

-- Similar to Oahu students, PBL tutorials are facilitated by Kaua`i physician faculty and clinical skills workshops are run by Kaua`i clinical physician faculty. Large group lectures are live-streamed via Zoom.

A full four-year scholarship covering in-state tuition and fees is included in the KMTT. When living on Kaua`i, housing, utilities, airfare, and car shipping is also provided by the program.

The house is in Lihue and is a 5 minute drive to Wilcox Medical Center (the main clinical site for students). It is also a short 15 minute walk to the beach!

Yes. KMTT students commit to working on Kauai for four years after completion of residency or specialty fellowship training.

No. Students may choose any field or speciality to pursue, although primary care is encouraged. Current students are planning to enter numerous fields such as Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Cardiology, ENT, Orthopedic Surgery, and Dermatology.

Yes! Sessions with general information and open questions will be held over Zoom at 9:00-10:00am (HST) on the following dates:
- 9/18/24, 10/16/24, 11/20/24, 12/18/24, and 1/3/25
- https://hawaii.zoom.us/j/99577169420 ; Meeting ID: 995-7716-9420

Please contact the KMTT program director, Dr. Travis Hong, via email at travhong@hawaii.edu