Kaua’i Family Medicine Residency
About
Aloha kākou! Welcome to the University of Hawai‘i Kaua‘i Family Medicine Residency Program.
We are a rural, academic community-based 4-4-4 program sponsored by the UH John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM).
We train exceptional rural physicians in the awe-inspiring beauty of Kaua‘i. Each year, four residents enter a program that blends the academic resources of the University of Hawai‘i with the training of dedicated rural physicians.
In their first year, residents are immersed in the successful UH O‘ahu Family Medicine program. They then transition to the Garden Isle, where they care for the people and communities of Kaua‘i throughout their second and third years.
We seek residents who share our passion for full-spectrum, community-based, culturally informed rural primary care —physicians committed the dignity of individuals and the communities they serve.
Our training experiences span maternal-child health, geriatrics, substance use disorder treatment, community outreach, and care for individuals facing housing instability. We are committed to providing comprehensive reproductive health education.
On Kauaʻi Wilcox Medical Center serves as the anchor for our program, complemented by training across the island’s critical access hospitals, outpatient clinics, federally qualified health centers, and the district health office — offering a truly integrated and community-rooted experience.
The University of Hawai‘i Kaua‘i Family Medicine Residency Program will launch its inaugural class in 2025. Our continuity clinic is located in Kapa‘a at the Kaua‘i Village Shopping Center. We are deeply grateful to our sister program—the UH Family Medicine Residency Program on O‘ahu—which has been training physicians since its establishment in 1994.
To prepare family physicians who are compassionate, resilient, and effective leaders—dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Basin, with a special focus on rural and remote settings.
We believe that the foundation of a health system is built upon a strong base of primary care and we seek to achieve this through:
- Providing broad training for a diversity of career paths
- Promoting health fairness and trauma-responsive care
- Fostering clinician well-being and resilience
- Cultivating efficacy in community and population-based health
- Advancing education and scholarship in Family Medicine
To enhance the health of individuals, families, and communities by advancing excellence in Family Medicine training.
Core Faculty
The core faculty of the University of Hawai‘i Kaua‘i Family Medicine Residency Program are members of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM). These dedicated educators lead the majority of teaching, precepting, and curriculum development for the residency program, as well as for medical student education.
They are supported by more than 100 volunteer clinical faculty across multiple Hawaiian islands, including active medical staff at Pali Momi Medical Center, Queens Medical Center, Tripler Army Medical Center, Wilcox Medical Center, Hilo Medical Center, Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital, and various private practice sites. These experienced physicians generously contribute their time and expertise to support the training of both residents and medical students.
Our Kaua‘i-based faculty embody a deep commitment to rural medicine and community engagement. As role models in full-spectrum, community-oriented care, they are instrumental in preparing future family physicians to serve the unique healthcare needs of Hawai‘i’s neighbor islands and other remote areas throughout the Pacific Basin.
CYNTHIA OHATA, MD, FAAFP
Program Director
BRIDGET COLLINS, MD, FAAFP
Director of Clinical Medicine
SASHI BRAGA, MD, FAAFP
Director of Geriatric Medicine
KANWARDEEP KALEKA, MD, PhD
Director of Behavioral Health
Program Details
Resident Curriculum Overview
The University of Hawai‘i Kaua‘i Family Medicine Residency Program offers a robust, full-spectrum curriculum designed to prepare physicians for the unique challenges and rewards of rural medicine. Our residents gain experience across a wide range of clinical settings—from tertiary care centers on O‘ahu to community-based hospitals and clinics on Kaua‘i. The curriculum emphasizes continuity of care, cultural humility, and community engagement, with increasing levels of responsibility and autonomy throughout training.
PGY-1: Foundations on O‘ahu
During their intern year, residents are fully integrated into the University of Hawai‘i O‘ahu Family Medicine Residency Program. Core clinical experiences include:
- 10 weeks of Inpatient Medicine (Pali Momi Medical Center)
- 4 weeks each of:
- Medical Intensive Care (The Queen’s Medical Center)
- Labor & Delivery (Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children)
- Pediatric Inpatient, Pediatric Nursery, and 2 weeks of Pediatric Emergency Medicine (KMCWC)
Additional rotations include subspecialties such as ENT, Ophthalmology, Sports Medicine, Behavioral Health, and Palliative Care. Residents also travel to Kaua‘i during PGY-1 to begin building relationships with the community and to get oriented to their future continuity clinic in Kapa‘a.
PGY-2: Rural Immersion and Community Engagement
Residents transition fully to Kaua‘i in their second year and begin delivering more independent, community-based care. Core rotations include:
- 8 weeks of Inpatient Medicine
- 4-week blocks in Geriatrics, Orthopedics, Family Planning, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Community Health, and Ambulatory Pediatrics
(All located at Wilcox Medical Center or Kaua‘i Medical Clinic)
2 week rotations include Cardiology and Behavioral Health, along with elective time that allows residents to tailor their education. These experiences are rooted in rural practice and emphasize continuity of care, cultural responsiveness, and interprofessional collaboration. Residents also establish their longitudinal continuity clinic at the Kaua‘i Medical Clinic in Kapa‘a and participate in community outreach activities that strengthen their identity and impact as rural physician-leaders.
PGY-3: Advanced Practice and Individualization
In their third year, residents continue their Kaua‘i-based training with a focus on leadership, autonomy, and specialization. The PGY-3 curriculum includes:
- 8 weeks of Inpatient Medicine
- 4 weeks each of:
- Women’s Health
- Outpatient Medicine (Ho‘ola Lāhui Community Health Center)
- Urgent Care (Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital)
- Addictions and Behavioral Health (Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital)
Residents also enjoy ample elective time to customize their training in areas such as procedural skills, public health, sports medicine, or rural emergency care. PGY-3 emphasizes advanced clinical decision-making and preparation for independent rural practice.
Didactics
Weekly didactics are held on Wednesday afternoons and are protected time for resident learning. These sessions follow a longitudinal curriculum and utilize a mix of educational formats, including interactive lectures, small group breakouts, skills-based workshops, and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) practice.
During PGY-1, residents are fully immersed in the O‘ahu-based didactics curriculum alongside their UH Family Medicine peers. In PGY-2 and PGY-3, Kaua‘i-based residents engage in a didactics program tailored to the local health needs and resources of the island—ensuring that their education remains relevant, practical, and community-focused.
Applying to our Program
How to Apply
- Candidates for residency may apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)
- Applications are reviewed holistically by faculty and the program director with attention to applicants’ life experiences, attributes, clinical competency, and academic metrics. As a program, we value applicants who demonstrate strong teamwork and communication skills, a commitment to serving our population in Hawaiʻi and/or the Pacific, resiliency, and an enthusiastic approach to feedback and lifelong learning.
How to Apply
- Completed ERAS application by November 1
- Official transcripts demonstrating passing scores for:
- USMLE Steps 1 and 2 and/or
- COMLEX Level 1 and 2
- At least three Letters of Recommendation with at least one from a family physician.
- Graduated from medical school in 2020 or later.
- Personal Statement illustrating:
- Who you are
- Why Family Medicine
- Why the University of Hawai’i Kauai Family Medicine Residency Program
- Why Rural Health?
Additional requirements:
- Must be fluent in English (both oral and written)
- Matched applicants who do not have a social security number will need to arrive in Hawaii 30 days prior to the start date
- International Medical School graduates will be required to be ECFMG certified
- J1 VISA sponsorship is the only visa sponsorship available
Interview Info
- Interviews will be offered through ERAS email on a rolling basis
- All interview sessions will be conducted virtually on one (1) day via ZOOM
- A typical interview day includes:
- Interview Registration
- Morning Report
- Orientation with the Program Director
- Interviews with Faculty and Program Director
- Orientation with the Program Administrator
Hawaii Residency Programs, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. If you need accommodations at any time, please contact HRP Human Resources at 808-586-2891.
Stephanie Krystel Canicula, MD
Stephanie Krystel Canicula grew up in a rural area of northern Luzon in the Philippines and graduated from University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. She spent several years as a nurse prior to medical school and has a deep interest in community and rural health. She has been in clinical practice in Quezon City in the Philippines. In addition, She knows she can make a difference in rural medicine and in the Filipino community and is committed to achieving that. She has close family in Hawaii, some also in the medical field. In her free time, she likes to create health infographics.
Nicole Mora Bowen Ochoa, MD
Nicole Mora Bowen Ochoa grew up in Ecuador and graduated from Universidad Internacional del Ecuador Facultad de Ciencias Médicas y de la Salud where she served as the Medical School Student Body President. After medical school she served as the sole physician on one of the Galapagos islands, where she discovered the fulfillment of leadership at the intersection of primary care, community health, and policy. She achieved a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and served at the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Medical Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility) before moving to the US. She has been looking for a beautiful, close-knit tropical island to host her professional passions and love of diving and hiking.
Samuel Mukai, MD
Samuel “Sam” Mukai was raised on O’ahu. He attended the University of Washington for undergrad and St. George’s University School of Medicine Grenada, West Indies for medical school. He has experience in phlebotomy, pathology, biotech research, resident advising and nonprofit administration. Through these diverse perspectives, he has developed a holistic appreciation of each role on a team in creating outcomes. Sam is especially passionate about living and working in Hawai’I, and creating quality compassionate care for our rural island populations. Sam’s free time is filled with hiking, surfing, swimming, golfing, trivia, family, and exploring Hawai’i.
Ma. Shenny Joy Santiago, MD
Ma. Shenny Joy Santiago grew up in the Philippines. She graduated from University of the East/Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine then completed an OB/Gyn residency in the Philippines. She served as the program’s Chief Resident during challenging pandemic years when she developed leadership and advocacy skills to create order and impact. She treasures long-lasting relationships with patients, and also with staff and community partners. She appreciates the depth of these relationships in rural practice such as on Kaua’i. In her free time, Shenny can be found writing, watching movies or TV, or enjoying photography.
UH Kauai Family Medicine Rural Scholars Program
Making Family Physicians for Rural Hawai’i
The Rural Scholars Program supports outstanding third-year medical students who are committed to practicing rural Family Medicine in Hawaii and the Pacific.
Our scholars receive enhanced clinical training, mentorship and support individualized for their professional goals in rural Family Medicine in our region.
Who is eligible
-Students in good standing at an accredited U.S. medical school
-Individuals committed to matching at the UH Kauaʻi Family Medicine Residency Program
-Students with a sincere intention to practice in rural Hawaiʻi or the Pacific after training
What are the benefits
– Participation in a Hawaiʻi-based rural health curriculum during the MS4 year
– Seamless transition into the UH Kauaʻi Family Medicine Residency Program
-Individualized mentorship aligned with rural practice goals
– Guaranteed residency position upon successful completion of medical school and program requirements
– Waiver of participation in the NRMP Match — reducing financial burden and uncertainty
This pathway offers the opportunity to secure your residency position while fully immersing yourself in rural-focused preparation.
Apply Here
Required documents:
- Personal Statement- (Please share a personal statement regarding your commitment to rural Family Medicine serving Hawaii or the Pacific)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (including list of scholarly work)
- Medical school transcript (unofficial accepted)
- USMLE/Comlex Scores
- 2 Letters of Recommendation addressing academic readiness and fit for rural medicine in Hawaii (at least one from a family medicine physician) emailed kauaifm@hawaii.edu
MS4 Curriculum
Community Engagement
Throughout training, residents actively participate in meaningful community engagement. During their PGY-1 year, they are integrated into the O‘ahu Family Medicine Program’s established community initiatives, gaining early exposure to population health, health equity efforts, and service-based learning.
In PGY-2 and PGY-3, residents deepen this commitment on Kaua‘i through outreach efforts tailored to the island’s unique communities—partnering with local organizations, participating in health fairs, and supporting underserved populations. These experiences help foster a lifelong dedication to service and community leadership.
Salary & Benefits
Contact
Kauai Family Medicine Residency Program
4-831 Kuhio Highway, Ste. 332
Kapaa, Hawai’i 96746
kauaifm@hawaii.edu
P: (808) 407-3440
