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**ANNOUNCEMENT**
HRSA ANNOUNCES THE STATE LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM NOFO.
DUE DATE: 01/12/2026.
GRANTS.GOV: HRSA-26-015
CONTACT: WITHY@HAWAII.EDU
24th PBMA Annual Conference Held in Chuuk, FSM (November 12–15, 2025)
- The Pacific Basin Medical Association (PBMA) successfully convened its 24th Annual Conference in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia. This year’s meeting marked a historic gathering of clinicians, educators, and health leaders from across the Pacific region—strengthening collaboration, advancing clinical learning, and reaffirming PBMA’s role as a unifying regional professional body.
- The conference opened with warm welcoming remarks from Dr. B. Buliche, Director of the Chuuk State Department of Health Services.
- The keynote inspirational address was delivered by Honorable Dr. Jioji Malani of the Fiji School of Medicine, a former instructor with the Pacific Basin Medical Officers Training Program (PBMOTP). This program trained a significant portion of today’s local health professional workforce across the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI).
Distinguished Speakers & Participants
PBMA was honored to welcome an exceptional lineup of presenters and contributors, including:
- Dr. Victor Yano (Palau) - PBMA Honorary Advisory Council
- Dr. Sheldon Riklon (Republic of the Marshall Islands) and his wife, currently residing in Arkansas.
- Dr. Kelley Withy, University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) and the Hawai‘i/Pacific Basin Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
Additional notable and honorary speakers included:
- Dr. Greg Dever
- Dr. Brostrom
- Dr. L. Albala
- Dr. Padwick Gallen
- Rose Initiative Inc. Ophthalmic Surgeon
PBMA extends its sincere appreciation to all contributors, including the Chuuk Medical Association, the FSM National Government, and the Chuuk State Government, as well as to all participants, for enriching the program with their expertise, experience, and long-standing services and commitment to Pacific health.
MAIN OUTCOME OF THE 24TH PBMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The 24th PBMA Conference main theme of discussion focused on the persistent shortage of health professionals, which continues to hinder access to medical care for USAPI citizens.
PBMA members, honorary advisory council, and present subject matter experts deliberated on potential solutions and put forth the following recommendations to address the health professional shortage:
1. PBMA-led re-establishment of the Pacific Basin Medical Officers Training Program or a similar program.
2. Development of a PBMA-led Pacific Regional Internship Training Program and Credentialing Advisory Council.
3. Creation of a PBMA Secretariat to provide administrative support to the PBMA Executive Officers and Honorary Advisory Council in pursuit of items #1 & #2 above.