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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, November 9, 2007

HMA forum on Islands' healthcare

Advertiser Staff

The Hawaii Medical Association is holding a free forum Tuesday to discuss Hawai'i's shortage of physicians and patients' access to healthcare.

Organizers said physicians, legislators and members of the public are invited to attend and participate in the question-and-answer session, a news release said.

Panelists include local health-care leaders, government officials and experts from the Mainland.

The forum will be at 5:30 p.m. at The Queen's Conference Center-Mabel Smyth Auditorium.

Panelists will be Cynthia Goto, MD, HMA president; Dr. William F. McKenzie, an ob/gyn practicing on O'ahu; Arthur F. Roeca, partner in the law firm Roeca, Louie & Hiraoka LLP; J.P. Schmidt, state insurance commissioner; and Dr. David Teuscher of the Texas Medical Association.

"Our patient access to care has reached a critical stage, and we implore Hawai'i's legislators to take action and fix the problem," Goto said.

"This forum will highlight the issues and solutions available so that Hawai'i's citizens have physicians available when they need them most."

To attend the forum, or for more details, call 536-7702, toll-free 888-536-2792; or go to www.hmaonline.net.