The Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) is offering up to $103,800 in travel support funding to those who train on the neighbor islands.

"On the Big Island they probably need at least 30 to 40 more doctors of different types," said Dr. Kelley Withy, an associate professor at JABSOM.

"We'd like to grow our own as to bring more Hawaii students, go through medical school, and end up serving in Hawaii communities. That would be the best solution for everyone," said Cliff Cisco, senior vice president at HMSA.

Some graduates who are now doctors on the Big Island were interviewed by JABSOM officials about the impact of the shortage.

"There's such a need. We have people here with good insurance who simply cannot find providers because we are so overloaded so that part I think is a challenge," said Dr. Melanie Arakaki of Hilo Family Medicine.

"It has actually been a problem trying to get patients scheduled because of the volume of calls that we get and we have a long waiting list," said Dr. Jerem Nohea Kaawaloa of Hawaii Family Health.

The money from HMSA could bring more medical students to neighbor island communities. The funds will help pay for travel and housing costs for up to 25 students during their primary care clinical rotations.

"They can learn how comfortable it is to be there, what a part of the community, how you're giving back and hopefully they will enjoy that experience, so much that they will choose to practice there," said Withy.

"They have their passion for the neighbor island communities. They're small communities. They can serve lots of people. They know more people. It's a unique setting," Cisco said.

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