On March 14, 2016,  Christina Higa, Co-Program Director of the Pacific Basin Telehealth Resource Center gave a presentation on Telehealth and Telemedicine to the Pre-Medical Association of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. During the presentation, students were asked if they were aware of telehealth and telemedicine. Unfortunately, out of the 28+ students who came, few raised their hands in acknowledgement. Ms. Higa spoke on the topics of telehealth and telemedicine that are very exciting, yet very complex. Telehealth and telemedicine are growing topics that will be increasingly important for future physicians and other healthcare workers. Ms. Higa reiterated that our future physicians need to become aware of the different aspects of healthcare (including telehealth and telemedicine) that will ultimately impact future physicians and their patients.

The Pre-Medical Association (PMA) is the largest pre-health organization at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. The mission of PMA is to strive to provide students with a holistic perspective of the field of healthcare, help members to develop academically and professionally through service and leadership opportunities, as well as foster collegiality among peers with similar goals and interests. The goals of the Pre-Medical Association are to provide its members with events and activities relevant to the field of healthcare, such as community service and medical education opportunities. PMA also connects its members with professionals in the healthcare community, expose members to under-served areas, academic institutions, and organizations related to healthcare.