Speaking to the scope of the center’s strategy, Director Dr. Naoto T. Ueno comments, saying, “We have the largest area to cover in the United States as a cancer center… we are the largest in terms of coverage, so it’s really important to make sure we have a strong strategy that we can implement.” To accomplish this, the center focuses on a community-embedded approach that empowers the healthcare ecosystem it presides over. The center’s unique operational model centers on collaboration rather than direct hospital ownership, allowing its influence to permeate 80% of cancer cases in Hawaii, acting as a guide for community physicians and healthcare systems. By deploying field officers to engage directly with local leaders in diverse communities, the UH Cancer Center ensures its messages on prevention and early detection are not only culturally resonant but also highly efficient, leading to better public health outcomes and reduced healthcare burdens in the long run. Additionally, to ensure the center’s effectiveness, it strictly adheres to the NCI’s rigorous standards, as the organization serves as a foundation for its formidable research output, grant acquisition, and comprehensive strategic planning. Overall, the University of Hawai’i Cancer Center has effectively leveraged its scientific leadership and deep community roots to create a model of health equity and operational success. It is setting a remarkable precedent for cancer care, not just for Hawaii and the Pacific region, but for medical institutions nationwide. A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO CANCER CARE The University of Hawai’i Cancer Center serves a diverse range of individuals in the Pacific, including those in Hawai’i and the U.S.-affiliated Pacific islands — ,Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. The center’s primary mission is to deliver highquality care and conduct clinical trials grounded in extensive cancer research. “It’s really about preventing cancer as much as possible, providing educational tools, and leading clinical practices,” Dr. Ueno says, clarifying that the center’s clinical practice doesn’t always mean directly offering care, as the center’s operations are expansive and multifaceted, extending beyond just treatment. “We want to be the guiding light that provides 3 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07 THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I CANCER CENTER
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