Our History

1983 - Grassroots Beginnings

In 1983, The Hawaiʻi Medical Association (HMA) established a Committee on Physician's Health (CPH).  For over 20 years, CPH consisted of a dedicated group of volunteer physicians who assisted and monitored their colleagues in need.

2006 - Independence and Expansion

Time and experience demonstrated the need to establish a stand-alone entity,  independent from any outside group, regulatory agency,  or organization. In October 2006, Puʻulu Lapaʻau, the Hawaiʻi Program for Healthcare Professionals was formed.  This independence not only allowed us the flexibility to offer assistance not only physicians, but to a variety of other healthcare providers. This enabled us to provide the highest levels of confidentiality and privacy protection.

Present Day - State-wide Multidisciplinary Representation

Before 2006, our board was initially composed of only physicians, but now includes a variety of other healthcare professionals, including nurses, a dentist and a pharmacist. Our board includes representatives from the islands of Kauaʻi, Mauʻi, Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu. This diversity has broadened the scope of our expertise and enriched our group with a greater understanding of how best to aid our healthcare providers and our community.