As Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s aging population continues to grow—with nearly one-third of residents projected to be 65 or older by 2035—second-year medical student Kristal Xie at the (JABSOM) at the is being recognized for her dedication to caring for the state¡¯s °ì¨±±è³Ü²Ô²¹.
Xie recently received the N¨¡ Lima K¨kua Award from the Â鶹´«Ã½ Pacific Gerontological Society, which recognizes students demonstrating exceptional dedication to gerontology. Presented in memory of the organization¡¯s first president, Tony Lenzer, the award honors Xie¡¯s service, research and commitment to older adults in Â鶹´«Ã½.
“This experience has strengthened my commitment to advancing the health and well-being of older adults,” Xie said. “I¡¯m grateful to my mentors, especially Dr. Kamal Masaki, and to my loved ones for their continued support.”
Early exposure sparks a passion for geriatrics
Xie¡¯s interest in geriatrics began during her first year at JABSOM when medical students are required to complete community service. She was selected to participate in WISH—Wellness Initiative for Seniors in Â鶹´«Ã½, a program that connects students with °ì¨±±è³Ü²Ô²¹ through weekly visits at Kuakini Medical Center.
Caring for our °ì¨±±è³Ü²Ô²¹ is an opportunity to serve the community that raised us.
—Kristal Xie
“Talking story with °ì¨±±è³Ü²Ô²¹ helped bring our classroom learning to life,” Xie said. “It made me more aware of how to meet patients where they are and think about what support they might need.”
Her experience with WISH inspired two research projects—one focused on strengthening family engagement in elder care and another examining the health impacts of social isolation. She is currently working on hospital discharge planning research aimed at improving communication and safety for older adults returning home.
“Caring for our °ì¨±±è³Ü²Ô²¹ is an opportunity to serve the community that raised us,” Xie said.
In addition to the N¨¡ Lima K¨kua Award, Xie has received multiple scholarships recognizing her work in gerontology. She is now considering a career in geriatrics, guided by mentors in JABSOM¡¯s Department of Geriatric Medicine, one of the largest fellowship programs in the nation and serving communities across the U.S.
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