Page 14 - MidWeek - May 24, 2023

14 MIDWEEK MAY 24, 2023
Band raised in Hawai‘i, Dr. Leimomi Kanagusuku has focused on studying and finding solutions for health dispar- ities among rural populations. She’s a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and earned her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University. Ka- nagusuku received her medical de- gree from University of Hawai‘i’s John A. Burns School of Medicine, then completed her residency in family medicine and a fellowship in medical education through the school.
DR. LEIMOMI KANAGUSUKU, family medicine physician at Pali Momi Medical Center Interview by Don Robbins
Keeping Hawai‘i Families Healthy
“Before majoring in human bi- ology, I thought I was going to be an engineer,” shares Kanagusuku. “However, after my grandmother was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer when I first got to college, I decided to pursue medicine to help people.”
At Pali Momi Medical Center, I also work as an attending phy- sician with University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns Family Medicine Residency Program. I work with and train the residents to treat pa- tients when they are acutely ill or need hospitalization. I also devel- op curriculum as well as mentor and guide the residents in the out- patient clinic.
As a Native Hawaiian doctor who works closely with Native Hawai- ian communities, what are some of the conditions that you see that are predominant?
Dr. Kanagusuku consults with outreach care coordinator Jerwin Antonio at Pali Momi’s Outpatient Clinic. PHOTOS COURTESY HAWAI‘I PACIFIC HEALTH
Here’s what else Kanagusuku had to say about her work in the health care industry:
What chronic diseases are preva- lent in Hawaiʻi?
One of the biggest hurdles I face is trying to work with patients to make lifestyle changes. My patients are so busy — they work, take care of their kids, take care of other loved ones — so they don’t have time to make healthy meals or work out regularly, if at all. So, when we talk about chang-
There’s a genetic component, as we see so much diabetes that runs in families. However, much of it has to do with our environment and life- style. Obesity tends to be a common link in our chronic diseases. One of the biggest reasons we eat so many carbohydrates in Hawai‘i is rice. An- other big source of carbohydrates are sugary beverages.
What do you do as a family medi- cine physician?
The main chronic diseases are of- ten related to obesity: hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Others include asthma, chronic obstructive
I am a family medicine-trained primary care physician who takes care of newborn keiki, kūpuna and
everyone in between. I also address some women’s health concerns, including well-woman exams and birth control discussions, as well as simple procedures such as skin biopsies and joint injections. I see people for their acute-care visits for coughs and colds, chronic diseases, including diabetes and hyperten- sion, and new pains. I also make sure that people are up to date on their health care maintenance, such as cancer screenings, immuniza- tions and physical exams.
pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and chronic kidney disease.
Obesity, asthma, diabetes, de- pression and anxiety are some of the conditions that affect a wide range of ages. There are also issues related to medical care that span all ages, in- cluding houselessness, limited access to health care and the price of medi- cations, to name a few. What’s great about being in family medicine is that oftentimes, I am the physician for multiple family members. A mom will bring her kids with her to an appoint- ment, and we can talk about healthy habits as a family, because home life is often a big influence.
What are some of the biggest chal- lenges in treating these issues?
ing habits, we see what works for each person’s individual schedule. Cost is another challenge. The cost of medi- cations that aren’t always covered by insurance. The cost of buying healthy, fresh vegetables and fruits. The cost of living, which is so high in Hawaiʻi that people have to work multiple jobs, not leaving time for healthy de- cisions.
As a family medicine doctor, what are the problems you see in patients of all ages?
Much like other native popula- tions, Native Hawaiians have higher rates of chronic diseases than other groups. Multiple studies have found that we are two to three times more likely to have diabetes, coronary artery disease, congestive heart fail- ure, stroke and many types of can- cer. In addition, we are likely to be afflicted with these types of chronic diseases a decade earlier than other populations. Native Hawaiians are also more likely to die from diabetes and cancer than the general popula- tion. These cancers include colon, lung, prostate, liver and breast.
Hawaiʻi has rates of diabetes that are higher than the rest of the na- tion. Why is that the case?
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