Hawaii Medical Education Council (HMEC)

The Hawaii Medical Education Council (HMEC) advises the Department of Education and the state on policies and investments to strengthen the medical education pipeline in Hawaii, including graduate medical education, residency programs, and physician workforce development. It reviews the adequacy of residency training slots and makes recommendations to expand training capacity to address physician shortages. HMEC coordinates between the University of Hawaii, healthcare systems, and state agencies.

Hawaii has persistent physician shortages, especially in primary care and on neighbor islands, and this council's work shapes investments in training the doctors who will serve Hawaii communities. Patients experiencing difficulty accessing physician care have an interest in the council's recommendations.