by Jim Bea Sampaga
Inspired by his childhood doctor’s kindness and expertise, Dr. Rainier Bautista hoped to provide the same care to others.
Born and raised in Quezon City, Philippines, Bautista grew up with a fasciation with science, biology, and human anatomy. He studied Psychology at Ateneo De Manila University and went to earn his Doctor of Medicine at University of Santo Tomas, Manila.
Expanding his care overseas, he moved to the United States as a Family Medicine Resident at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. Eventually, he found his way to Hawaii where he is currently practicing as a Primary Care Physician at Primary Care Clinic of Hawaii.
As a young child envisioning a future in healthcare, Bautista has come a long way in providing care, comfort, support and expertise to fellow Filipinos in Hawaii and the Philippines.
In an upcoming January 27 gala titled “Kasaysayan at Kinabukasan: A Gala of Legacy and Promise,” the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii (PMAH) will be welcoming and inaugurating Bautista as its upcoming President.
Ahead of the gala, Hawaii Filipino Chronicle reached out to Bautista for an exclusive interview to learn more about him, his plans for PMAH and his thoughts on Hawaii’s medical professional shortage.
Hawaii Filipino Chronicle: Any anecdotes from your school years that inspired you to pursue medicine?
Dr. Rainier Bautista: Born in Quezon City, my early years were steeped in the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. My fascination with science, particularly biology, was evident early on. I recall a school project where we explored human anatomy, which mesmerized me and revealed the intricacies of life.
Additionally, visits to the doctor as a child were always intriguing. I remember being comforted by the doctor’s kindness and expertise, which inspired me to envision a future where I could offer the same comfort and care to others.
HFC: What made you choose to practice medicine in Hawaii and the United States?
Bautista: The United States, known for its medical innovations, was a natural choice for me, especially with family ties already established here. My initial exposure to Hawaii was transformative.
My bond with Hawaii began under Dr. Charlie Sonido’s preceptorship program, where I experienced the aloha spirit intertwined with medical practice. The state’s beauty, coupled with its unique cultural tapestry, resonated deeply with me.
Hawaii felt more like home than any other place, and the opportunity to serve our kababayans as well as the rest of the community, utilizing my cultural insight and language skills, was a compelling factor in my decision.
HFC: Do you have any anecdotes or experiences of practicing medicine in Hawaii that are memorable to you?
Bautista: Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic as a physician has been one of the most formidable and impactful experiences of my career. The early days of the pandemic brought unprecedented challenges: we grappled with a largely unknown virus, while continuing to provide care as the world retreated into quarantine.
My role extended beyond medical treatment to educating the community on critical health measures like social distancing, vaccination, and masking. This period not only tested our resilience and adaptability but also brought to light the crucial role of healthcare professionals in society.
One aspect that was particularly striking was the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on the Filipino community. This highlighted the importance of addressing healthcare disparities and the need for targeted patient education and support.
The pandemic underscored the significance of social determinants of health and the necessity of a more comprehensive approach to healthcare. It reinforced the need to focus on broader factors that influence health and well-being, especially in vulnerable communities like ours.
These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my approach to medicine, emphasizing the need for cultural sensitivity and equity in healthcare.
HFC: As the incoming president of PMAH, what was your reaction when you found out about it?
Bautista: Learning of my election as PMAH president filled me with a profound sense of honor and responsibility. It’s a role that carries the weight of expectation – to spearhead initiatives, uphold the association’s values, and build on the legacies of those who led before me. I am eager to lead with a vision that encompasses both honoring our traditions and embracing innovative approaches to healthcare challenges.
HFC: Can you tell us about PMAH? What makes this organization special?
Bautista: The Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii (PMAH), founded in 1978, has been instrumental in advancing healthcare, advocacy, and cultural connectivity in Hawaii.
It began as a collective of Filipino-American doctors aiming to improve community healthcare and has since grown to include a diverse group of physicians serving Hawaii’s multicultural population.
Our mission is to deliver exceptional healthcare services to all in Hawaii, regardless of their background. PMAH is distinguished by its commitment to healthcare excellence, cultural sensitivity, and community outreach.
We’ve provided free medical care to thousands, organized international medical missions, and fostered educational opportunities for future medical professionals.
PMAH also emphasizes professional development and community bonding through various events and initiatives, making it a unique blend of a professional association and a cultural community hub.
HFC: What drew you to this organization?
Bautista: What drew me to PMAH was its dedication to serving not just the health needs but also the cultural well-being of our community. The organization’s commitment to cultural sensitivity in healthcare resonated deeply with my own values as a physician.
I was particularly inspired by PMAH’s role in healthcare advocacy and its efforts to bridge healthcare disparities. The inclusive and welcoming nature of PMAH, which extends beyond Filipino physicians to embrace medical professionals from all backgrounds, aligns with my belief in diversity and inclusivity in healthcare.
Joining PMAH felt like aligning with a movement that not only values medical excellence but also cherishes the cultural and communal aspects of healthcare, which are crucial in a diverse state like Hawaii.
HFC: As the new president, what are your plans in the PMAH organization?
Bautista: My vision for PMAH includes not only continuing our legacy of excellent medical education through our CME programs but also fostering stronger ties within our community through diverse events and initiatives.
We’ll focus on expanding our reach across the Hawaiian Islands, tapping into technology to revolutionize how we connect with members and the broader community.
This technological integration will not only enhance our internal operations but also extend our outreach and impact.
HFC: Do you have any projects in mind you’d like to pursue in PMAH?
Bautista: Absolutely. One of my key objectives is to broaden PMAH’s reach across the Hawaiian Islands. By hosting some of our annual events in Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island, we can enhance our visibility and engage more directly with communities there. This will not only expand our impact but also foster closer ties with the diverse populations of these islands.
Another goal of mine is to create opportunities for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in Hawaii. Taking inspiration from Tennessee’s HB1312 law, I aim to advocate for a pathway for IMGs who have passed all USMLE steps and completed a residency abroad, to practice in Hawaii.
Additionally, I am eager to establish robust partnerships and internal procedures to enable PMAH to respond effectively to emergencies and other challenges, akin to the response needed during events like the Lahaina wildfire in Maui. This would involve collaborating with local authorities, healthcare providers, and other organizations to ensure a swift, coordinated, and effective response to crises, thereby enhancing our community’s resilience and safety.
HFC: Physician and medical professional shortages are an issue that is facing Hawaii. What are your thoughts on this? What can PMAH do to help resolve this issue?
Bautista: The shortage of medical professionals in Hawaii is a complex challenge. It affects patient access to both primary and specialized care. PMAH plays a crucial role in addressing this through our mentorship program, which aims to guide local students into the medical field.
Additionally, our efforts in assisting International Medical Graduates to find residency placements have seen positive outcomes, with some returning to serve in Hawaii. We’re also engaged in legislative advocacy, aiming to create a more supportive environment for healthcare professionals in Hawaii.
HFC: How can our readers support PMAH’s mission?
Bautista: Community engagement is vital for PMAH’s mission. We encourage medical professionals to join us and participate in our various initiatives. Community members can support us by attending our events and spreading awareness of our work. This collective effort is key to achieving our goals and enhancing healthcare in Hawaii.
HFC: What is your message to fellow Filipinos in Hawaii and the Philippines that are aiming to serve the community by becoming a doctor?
Bautista: Pursuing a career in medicine is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s a path of deep fulfillment.
As doctors, we have the privilege to make a significant impact on individual lives and our community. The journey demands dedication and resilience, but the reward is the opportunity to engage in a noble profession that not only heals but also inspires.
To those embarking on this journey, your perseverance and compassion will be your greatest assets. The road is long, but the ability to contribute to the betterment of society makes every step worth it.
HFC: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Bautista: Thank you for the opportunity to share the mission and vision of the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii with your readers. I would like to emphasize the commitment of PMAH to not just healthcare excellence, but also to nurturing a sense of community and cultural connection in Hawaii.
We are dedicated to continuous improvement in medical services, advocating for health equity, and fostering the next generation of medical professionals. As we move forward, our focus remains on strengthening our outreach, enhancing collaborative efforts, and embracing innovative practices to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our diverse population.
I invite the community to join us in this journey, to be part of the change, and to contribute to a healthier, more connected Hawaii.
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