By Gina Gelber
Peter Lee ’02 knows what it feels like to be a student with a vision but uncertain of how to bring it to life. “I remember having dreams of becoming a dentist but not knowing where to start,” he recalls. Fortunately for Lee, he had a strong support system. “They guided me and helped me take those first crucial steps.”
Today, as an established pediatric dentist in Honolulu, Lee is doing his part to empower the next generation of aspiring healthcare professionals. “There’s no instruction manual or class that lays out how to get into dentistry or any other field,” he says. “I was fortunate to have incredible mentors. Now, I gladly help others.”
The sentiment of giving back to the community was a recurring theme among the 20 speakers at the Punahou Alumni Healthcare Spotlight event, held at the Mamiya Science Center this fall. The program featured presenters from a broad range of medical concentrations, including surgeons, nurse practitioners and medical students. Faculty, students and the Punahou Alumni Organization have collaborated for nine consecutive years to make this event possible.
Some 75 Academy students attended, many of whom are considering careers in the healthcare field. As they listened intently to the speakers, the students asked thoughtful questions, such as: How can you determine if medical school is the right path for you? How do you handle the demanding workload and stress of medical school? And what factors should you consider when choosing a medical specialty?
Getting firsthand advice from healthcare professionals was a treasure trove for the attendees, according to Brooke Shindo ’25, one of the student organizers of the event. “We can learn a lot from their experiences because they provide perspectives on overcoming obstacles, making decisions and finding success in a demanding industry,” she says.
The panelists provided pragmatic advice, leaving students not only inspired but also better equipped to navigate the potential challenges ahead.
Buff ’n Blue Support – Near and Far
Emergency Medicine Physician Daniel Cheng ’00 was one of the featured speakers on hand that evening. He joined Lee and a small cohort of students during one of the breakout sessions. The duo acknowledged that while having strong grades and test scores is essential, the guidance of a mentor is a literal game-changer, especially when one is far away from home.
As an undergrad at the University of California, Irvine, Cheng recalls connecting with older Punahou graduates who were already pursuing careers in medicine. They helped him navigate the process of researching potential positions and opportunities. “I feel that type of support is paramount for the first two years in college,” Cheng says. “That time can often be challenging for Hawai‘i kids who are also adjusting to living on the mainland.”
Lee concurs that having a robust network is critical. He notes that one of his early mentors was his own orthodontist, who was also the father of a Punahou classmate. Throughout the years, the buff ‘n blue community has supported him near and far. “I went to college and dental school in Boston – about as far from Hawai‘i as you can get. Later, during my time in the Air Force, I was stationed in Nebraska, Korea and Japan,” he says. “No matter where I lived, I always found friends from Punahou. It was an incredible support system. Imagine traveling the world and always having a connection, a friendly face and a shared bond.”
Some 20 alumni were panelists at the Punahou Alumni Healthcare Spotlight event,
which drew current students interested in learning about careers in the medical field
Kuleana as a Guiding Principle
One of the most meaningful takeaways from the event was the concept of kuleana, which inspires us to do our part in building a better world. “Medicine is about caring for humans on a deeply personal level,” says Lee. “Helping the community should be front and center at all times for anyone who is interested in medicine,” he says.
The speakers left a lasting impression on many of the students, offering tangible examples of what it means to be rooted in making positive contributions – on campus and beyond.
For her part, Shindo, who is set to graduate in May and has her sights set on medical school, says helping to organize the Alumni Healthcare Spotlight event has been a rewarding experience, especially because the volunteers consistently go above and beyond to offer their support. “They take their time to listen to us individually and provide resources and mentoring that are almost tailored to our needs,” she says.
The program included small break-out sessions, featuring presenters from a broad range of medical specializations, including surgeons and nurse practitioners.
Reflecting on the past three years of helping with the event, Shindo feels a profound sense of pride. She aspires to return one day to Punahou to pay it forward – in the same way as the speakers had done that evening.
One of the highlights of the event was hearing from a panel with alumni who are currently enrolled in medical school.
Going to medical school is a life-altering journey, which is why being able to connect with a group of alumni who are currently enrolled at the University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine was one of the highlights of the Healthcare Spotlight event. The speakers shared deeply personal experiences, detailing the rewards – and the challenges of medical school.
Jennifer Yamamoto ’08 Snyder
Medical school was not on Jennifer Yamamoto ’08 Snyder’s dream board when she was in high school and college. “I didn’t major in traditional sciences and biology,” she says. During that stage in life, Snyder was more in tune with her violin – a passion that led her to the Cleveland Institute of Music, a prestigious conservatory in Ohio where she majored in music.
A few twists and turns later, Snyder is now a first-year student at the University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine. “I want students to know that going into med school doesn’t mean you can’t pursue your passions,” she says. “I encourage you to explore your dreams, whatever they may be, because that is where excellence arises.”
Lexie Matsunaga ’19
For Lexie Matsunaga ’19, the passion to pursue a career in medicine began at an early age, ignited by the profound experience of witnessing loved ones battle cancer. “I knew I wanted to join the fight against cancer when I grew older,” she says. Today, she is in her second year of medical school. Her recommendation to current students, should they decide to go to medical school, is to cultivate grace and patience with themselves. “You are going to be your harshest critic and your greatest supporter,” she says. “Knowing how to balance those two forces will be essential.”
Main Article: The Punahou Network A Hui for Life