Your editorial (“Hawaii needs homegrown MDs,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, June 3) recognizes the determined efforts being made by the John A. Burns School of Medicine to train highly qualified physicians who will remain in Hawaii to serve our community for the generations to come.

Ironically, on the very next page, Drs. Jerry Van Meter and Christopher D. Flanders explain why this may end up being wishful thinking (“Is HMSA’s new health initiative best for patients? Not likely,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, June 3).

The physicians in Hawaii, both recently trained and more seasoned, are caught in a struggle of conscience: Do I stay and care for my people, the people of Hawaii whom I love, or do I face the realities of a health care system that doesn’t seem to appreciate what I have to offer — indeed, what I so much want to give back — and just move on?

Everyone with a personal physician who made the first choice should somehow express their support and gratitude to him or her for doing so.

Bill Fong

Makiki

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