University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补 (JABSOM) faculty member Paris Stowers has been honored for her efforts in helping medical students find their voice in obstetrics and gynecology.
Stowers, an assistant professor of , received the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Medical Student Recruitment Award. She was recognized for developing a student leadership and mentorship model within the organization’s District VIII, which includes Hawaiʻi and several western states.
The initiative was designed to engage medical students in the OBGYN field early by giving them a real seat at the table.
“There was an interest in developing a medical student advisory council so medical students could have a leadership role in the organization,” Stowers said.
As the council’s first faculty advisor, Stowers helped build a program that connected students across Hawaiʻi and several western states through virtual meetings, mentorship, advocacy work and national conferences.
Strengthening student advocacy, recruitment
“We ask them what kinds of things they want to work on,” Stowers said. “It’s more successful if it’s student-driven.”
Students engaged in various health education and advocacy projects and attended national advocacy meetings in Washington, D.C., where they met with lawmakers alongside practicing OBGYN physicians. The program emphasized professional development skills, such as networking at conferences and maximizing mentorship opportunities.
The model has also helped strengthen recruitment in regions historically struggling to retain OBGYN physicians, including rural states facing physician shortages. JABSOM students Brandi Mikami and Paige Harakuni served on the council this year.
“I cannot think of someone more deserving of this award than Dr. Stowers,” said Harakuni. “She has a remarkable ability to bring students into the conversation and make us feel like valued members of the organization.”
Stowers hopes the experience shows future physicians they can help shape healthcare systems and policy. “You can make a change in your medical school, but also at the national level,” she said.