Reflections of a Native Hawaiian physician: Hawaiian cultural values in Western medical practice

Abstract

Native Hawaiians face challenges between their cultural upbringing and Western systems of learning. This paper describes my experiences of being a Native Hawaiian born and raised in Hawai'i and my path toward becoming a physician. This paper will reveal challenges of working within a Western educational system while remaining true to self and cultural values, and identifying ways to prosper in the medical profession while incorporating Native Hawaiian cultural values. In order to succeed in these areas, it is important to know oneself, to believe in oneself, to find a purpose and mission in life, and to appreciate and share one's gifts and talents. Awareness and acknowledgement of the differences between Western and Hawaiian beliefs is necessary to practice medicine in Hawai'i.