Page 14 - MidWeek - May 26, 2021

14 MIDWEEK MAY 26, 2021
Born and raised in Van- couver, Canada, Dr. Benetta Chin says growing up in a system where there is universal health care has definitely influenced her desire to see all people have access to quality health care.
DR. BENETTA CHIN, pediatrician with Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children Interviewed by Don Robbins
Keeping Hawai‘i’s Keiki Healthy
“Iamveryhappytobea part of Hawai‘i Pacific Health and Kapi‘olani Medical Cen- ter for Women & Children. It is a privilege and honor to work for an organization and hospital that values the health of all the children and youth of Hawai‘i,” explains Chin, a pediatrician.
pecially out on the water. Since moving to Hawai‘i, one of my new goals is to learn how to surf,” she declares. “When I’m not at work, you’ll find me somewhere outdoors looking for our next adventure with my husband, our children and our puppy Lili,” she adds.
What are the impacts of COVID-19 on children, and what efforts has Hawaiʻi Pa- cific Health been making to help vaccinate them?
COVID-19 has had an impact on children on many levels. While we have been fortunate that the infection rate in children has been relatively low compared to adults, the pandemic has af- fected many of the things that impact overall health. Being unable to attend school in person, economic instabili- ty, social isolation, delayed access to health services for non-COVID-related issues, to name a few, have affected the physical, mental, and so- cioemotional health of chil- dren and youth. Continuing to safely vaccinate as many members of our communi- ty will help us get one step closer to herd immunity and to hopefully see an end to the pandemic. Currently, Hawai‘i Pacific Health is working with the state Department of Health
to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals age 12 and older.
How can keiki stay healthy in the pandemic?
Wearing a mask, physical distancing, early recognition of symptoms in our children and keeping them home if they are sick are all things that can help to keep every- one safe. I think many of the things we are doing to protect our children during the pan- demic are good habits that we should be doing all the time. Basic things such as keeping hands clean by washing thor- oughly with soap and water, staying home when you’re not feeling well, ensuring children are getting good nutrition and exercise are all going to help maintain the health of our chil- dren now and in the future.
She received her medical school education and complet- ed her residency at University of British Columbia. She and her family moved to O‘ahu almost a year ago.
My training through med- ical school, residency and fellowship has allowed me to gain the expertise and skill to do what I do. It has also shaped my belief that a patient’s well- ness is not merely about phys- ical health. It has prepared and challenged me to look at the patient as a whole person that is affected by their experienc- es, housing, family, education, community and social support, and financial resources.
What do you love about your career?
“We feel blessed to be here and are grateful for the aloha that has been shared with us,” she emphasizes.
What inspired you to pursue medicine and pediatrics?
Every day, every family, ev- ery child is different. There’s always something new that I can learn from my patients. I also work with an amazing group of colleagues at the clin- ic and in the nursery — they make coming to work not feel like “work.”
Chin also has hobbies and interests besides work.
I have always felt a strong call in my life to help others
“I love being outside and es-
Chin has more to share about her background and her desire to keep Hawai‘i’s keiki healthy.
Dr. Benetta Chin, a pediatrician with Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children, assists a young patient and parent. PHOTOS COURTESY HAWAI‘I PACIFIC HEALTH
How did your education prepare you to be a pedia- trician?
and serve my community wherever I am. Medicine has been a way that I’ve been able to use my knowledge, skills and gifts I’ ve been given to do that. One of the reasons I chose to specialize in pedi- atrics is that I am constantly in awe of how resilient and strong children are. It is in- credibly meaningful to be able to participate in helping children maintain good health or recover from an illness or injury so that they can then go
on to achieve their goals and dreams. I am extremely lucky todowhatIdo.
Caring for women and children like no one else in Hawai‘i.
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