What do you know about the medical schools in Hawaii? Because of the environment, studying in Hawaii is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Every year, millions of people visit the state because of its beautiful scenery, climate, and way of life.
Hawaii has only one medical school, but that medical school focuses on bringing more family physicians into the workforce as well as addressing the state’s physician shortage.
Medical Schools in Hawaii an overview
The medical school in Hawaii, like all medical schools, is competitive. Furthermore, out-of-state students face a greater challenge because some Hawaii medical schools admit a higher percentage of in-state students.
Studying at Hawaii medical schools provides exceptional benefits that are not available in any other state in the United States.
You will be on a tropical island with a rich culture and climate, as well as the opportunity to enjoy island life.
It also houses the state’s only medical school, which is located in Honolulu Mnoa Campus of the University of Hawaii John A. Burns Medical School
The John A. Burns School of Medicine
Their school’s vision also includes the phrase “Attaining Lasting Optimal Health for All ALOHA.” In Hawai’i, aloha is a treasured tradition with many layers that guide their way of life. Aloha at JABSOM embraces diversity.
The School of Medicine began as a two-year program in basic medical sciences in 1965 and expanded to a four-year degree-granting program in 1973.
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The Hawai’i State Legislature’s commitment to a medical school for the people of Hawai’i was strengthened when lawmakers approved the use of tobacco “Master Settlement Agreement” funds to build and operate the John A. Burns School of Medicine’s Kaka’ako oceanfront campus (JABSOM). Governor Ben Cayetano chose the location for the campus, which opened in 2005.
They are proud to educate their students and the people of Hawai’i about the dangers of smoking, and they treat those who have tobacco-related diseases. Over the years, many prestigious private foundations, as well as the US and foreign governments, have provided generous grants and funding.
In 1992, the John A. Burns School of Medicine was named one of ten “… leaders in the reform and improvement of medical education” by a Harvard University study of the nature and scope of medical education reforms.
The John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is one of the most prestigious medical schools in the United States.
U.S. News & World Report ranked JABSOM #24 in the country in Primary Care in its 2021 “Best U.S. Medical Schools” list. According to educational data released by the Association of American Medical Colleges in 2021, the medical school is also a national leader.
The John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii at Manoa believes that a physician should be well-educated; a physician should understand the physicality of the human body as well as its social, cultural, and psychological aspects. As a result, undergraduate Scholars are strongly encouraged to receive a well-rounded education in the liberal arts, social sciences, and humanities, in addition to completing 90 college-level credits in science coursework.
School objectives:
- Educating current and future healthcare leaders and professionals.
- Providing high-quality medical care.
- Conducting research and putting findings into practice
- Creating community partnerships and encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Pursuing alliances that are specific to Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region.
Requirements for Admission:
- It is required for Prospective Students at the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to meet the following minimum admissions requirements:
- The MCAT exam must be taken within three years of the expected enrollment year.
- Applicants must have completed 90 college-level science credits (or 135 quarter hours).
- General biology with lab, general physics with lab, general chemistry with lab, organic chemistry with lab, and biochemistry are required (No Lab Required).
- Apply early to avoid missing important dates and deadlines.
It is strongly advised that you apply as soon as possible in order to avoid missing any important dates or deadlines. This will give you enough time to obtain the necessary application materials, such as official school transcripts. Applying early also allows you to secure strong letters of recommendation from professors, employers, and mentors.
- Take part in the appropriate extracurricular activities that will set you apart from other candidates.
Participating in the appropriate extracurricular activities will help you stand out from the crowd. You will benefit from hands-on medical training and experience in the field. Participating in appropriate extracurricular activities will also help you to expand your network and professional contacts.
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This will undoubtedly help in obtaining strong letters of recommendation. The extracurricular activities listed below will assist you on your path to medical school:
Medical Shadowing:
Medical shadowing is regarded as one of the most important extracurricular activities by admissions committees. Medical shadowing demonstrates your dedication to the study of medicine and your desire to attend medical school. Medical shadowing can also help you decide if a career in medicine is right for you.
Clinical experience:
Clinical experience is also important because it allows you to interact with patients. Admissions committees want to see that you can interact compassionately with patients from a variety of backgrounds. Furthermore, clinical experience will assist you in determining whether a career as a physician is right for you or if you would prefer to pursue another path, such as research.
Research:
Admissions officers are also drawn to research. Having research experience will allow you to delve deeper into topics of interest to you.
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Approximately 60% of medical school applicants have some type of research experience, so taking advantage of research opportunities before applying to medical school will be advantageous.
Volunteering:
Volunteering demonstrates to admissions committees that you are altruistic, which is a huge advantage if you decide to apply to JABSOM due to their commitment to service to others. Volunteering will provide you with new skills and knowledge, as well as a rewarding experience that will foster the qualities of a compassionate and skilled physician.
- Concentrate on areas of your application where you can demonstrate your uniqueness.
Medical school applicants generally have comparable total and science GPAs, as well as MCAT scores.
Admissions committees frequently look at other aspects of your application to evaluate your excellence in areas other than academic achievement. To demonstrate your uniqueness, you should concentrate on the following sections:
AMCAS work and activities section
The work and activities section of the AMCAS application is one of nine sections. It is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your personality to admissions committees through clinical and volunteer experiences, research experience, employment, awards and recognition, extracurricular activities, and hobbies.
Including a strong work and activities section in your AMCAS application will increase your chances of acceptance.
The personal statement
The medical school personal statement is critical to your success. A lackluster personal statement will frequently result in applicants failing to advance past the first round of application reviews.
A strong personal statement highlights your qualities, engages the admissions committee through rich storytelling, and explains why you want to pursue medicine. To increase your chances of acceptance, write a memorable and well-written personal statement.
The recommendation letters
Letters of recommendation are important because they attest to you, your candidacy as a medical student, and your distinct skill set.
Strong letters of recommendation should be obtained from people who are intimately familiar with you and the caliber of your work, whether academic, professional, extracurricular, or mentorship-related.
Letters of recommendation will also substantiate what you say about yourself in your application, giving you credibility and value in the eyes of admissions officers.
Address: 651 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
Contact: +1 808-692-0899
Conclusion on the medical schools in Hawaii
Hawaii is a lovely place to visit and begin your medical school journey. The John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is an excellent place to study medicine and earn your MD degree.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine values helping others and preparing medical students for a rewarding career in healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is it possible to study medicine in Hawaii?
JABSOM is Hawaii’s only medical school. There are other medical colleges in Hawaii (such as nursing), but JABSOM is the only medical school for MD candidates.
- What distinguishes Jabsom?
The Mission and Distinctive Characteristics of JABSOM. The School’s M.D. program is distinguished by its Problem-Based Learning curriculum (PBL; see Medical Education) and community-based medicine program. Clinical training is also provided in affiliated community hospitals and clinics.
- Where is the John A. Burns School of Medicine?
The University of Hawai’i at Mnoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) is located on the island of O’ahu, approximately three miles west of the university’s Mnoa campus.
- Is there a medical school in Hawaii?
Hawaii draws millions of visitors each year because of its breathtaking scenery, climate, and culture. The University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine is also located in Honolulu, making it the state’s only medical school (JABSOM).