The Dean's Certificate of Distinction in Native Hawaiian Health

Certificates of Distinction at USA medical schools are given to students who have shown additional commitment and effort in areas such as global health and social justice. In 2014, the Dean's Certificate of Distinction in Native Hawaiian Health (COD-NHH), at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), was designed to offer more experience and knowledge in Native Hawaiian health, as well as directly benefiting Native Hawaiian communities through personal and cultural growth, service learning and scholarly projects. The COD-NHH utilises the Department of Native Hawaiian Health 'na pou kihi' framework represented by a hale (house). This framework embodies the Native Hawaiian holistic view of health and incorporates traditional values and cultural strengths, critical to ensure that students can work comfortably and effectively in our communities. Activities focus on four 'pou kihi' (pillars): (1) cultural knowledge and space; (2) community/environmental stewardship; (3) knowledge advancement and dissemination; and (4) social justice. The first cohort received their COD-NHH in May 2017. Interest among JABSOM students is expanding. The COD-NHH, though well received, has required some modification including new technology for data collection of requirements. Feedback from the community is positive and continued community partnerships allow for opportunities of engagement with the student.