The next time you’re on an airplane, remember to be polite with your flight attendant. You just never know when you’ll see them again, who they are, what they will become and how they will be able to help you. Academy Award winning Actress Meryl Streep said, “Some people are filled by compassion and a desire to do good, and some simply don’t think anything’s going to make a difference.” Our guest today is a man of compassion, one you would want by your bedside of you were suffering. He has also been graced with brilliance which, all the more makes you want to lean in and hear him. As a sure foundation beneath it all is a Christ-like love and humility. We are in for a rare opportunity today.
Dr. Gerard Akaka is Vice President, Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer for The Queen’s Medical Center. Dr. Akaka joined The Queen’s Medical Center in 2002 as the Medical Director of The Queen’s Emma Clinics (QEC). Dr. Akaka is a Clinical Faculty member in the Department of Medicine at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) at the University of Hawaii. In 2006, in addition to his Queen Emma Clinics duties, Dr. Akaka was appointed as the Medical Director of the Native Hawaiian Health Program of The Queen’s Health Systems. Prior to coming to Queen’s, he served as the Medical Director of the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. Dr. Akaka is a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech from the University of Hawaii and his M.D. at John A Burns School of Medicine. He completed his intern and residency programs at JABSOM. Dr. Akaka was named Queen’s “Outstanding Physician of the Year” in 2004. He is married to Belinda: they have three children, Kila, Joshua and Rachel. They have three granddaughters.
- When did you know you wanted to become a physician? Why?
- When you speak to young people, do you have a message for them that’ll impact their future?
- What is the Imi Ho’ola program? Does it still exist?
- How has the Lord helped you through difficult times?
- What is your favorite Scripture verse? Why?
- What would you say to someone going through a tough time right now?
Proverbs 19:17 “He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed.”