John A. Burns School of Medicine is the public medical school at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, serving as the state’s central academic center for training physicians and health scientists. Founded in the 1960s and named after a former governor, the school emphasizes primary care, rural and underserved populations, and culturally responsive practice aligned with the needs of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.
The school operates as an engine for local workforce development, partnerships with community health systems, and research focused on tropical diseases, Native Hawaiian health, and Pacific Islander populations. Its curriculum integrates clinical training, public health, and interprofessional education to prepare graduates for practice across diverse island communities.
| Program | Degree Offered | Primary Focus | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD Program | Doctor of Medicine | Clinical medicine with practice-ready training | 4 years |
| MPH Program | Master of Public Health | Population health and health policy | 2 years |
| PhD in Health Services Research | Doctor of Philosophy | Health services, outcomes, and implementation science | 4–5 years |
| MD/MPH Combined | Dual degree | Clinical medicine and public health leadership | 4–5 years |
Mission and Community Impact
Primary Care and Access in Hawaiʻi
The school prioritizes training primary care clinicians to expand access in rural neighborhoods and medically underserved urban areas. Its network of community and campus-based clinics supports continuity of care and service learning for students.
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Health Initiatives
Centers within the school focus on Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander health, addressing chronic disease, cancer disparities, and traditional ecological health practices through culturally grounded research and education.
Academic Programs and Curriculum Structure
MD Curriculum and Competency-Based Training
The MD curriculum includes pre-clinical sciences, clinical skills labs, and longitudinal community immersion. Students progress through core clerkships and can tailor electives toward global health, rural medicine, and public health.
Graduate and Research Programs
Graduate degrees emphasize rigorous methods, biostatistics, and community-engaged research. Interdisciplinary projects link clinical teams, public health practitioners, and local health departments to solve regional problems.
Admissions, Costs, and Student Support
Application Review and Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated on academic preparation, clinical exposure, personal statements, and fit with the school’s mission. Holistic review seeks candidates committed to serving diverse communities and contributing to health equity.
Tuition, Aid, and Career Outcomes
Competitive scholarships, state-funded opportunities, and federal programs help offset costs. Graduates enter residency across primary care, hospital medicine, research, and public health roles both in Hawaiʻi and nationwide.
| Program | Tuition Estimate | Average Match Rate to Residency | Career Pathways |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD | In-state reduced, out-of-state standard professional | High for primary care, strong for specialties | Clinical practice, research, public health |
| MPH | Moderate with assistantships and aid | N/A | Health department, NGO, policy roles |
| PhD | Typically fully funded via stipend and tuition waiver | N/A | Academia, think tanks, evaluative research |
| MD/MPH | Combined support and funding available | Competitive in health services research | Clinician–investigator, leadership roles |
Research and Innovation
Tropical and Environmental Health Studies
Faculty and trainees investigate vector-borne diseases, climate impacts on health, and environmental exposures unique to island ecosystems. Partnerships with state agencies translate findings into local policy and practice.
Community-Engaged Implementation Science
Projects partner with clinics, schools, and Native Hawaiian organizations to test interventions that improve diabetes care, maternal health, and behavioral health outcomes in real-world settings.
FAQ
Reader questions
What are the most popular residency match outcomes for graduates of John A. Burns School of Medicine?
Graduates commonly match into primary care residencies such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics, with strong placement in Hawaiʻi and other high-need regions across the United States.
Does the school offer robust support for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander applicants?
Yes, targeted recruitment, mentorship pathways, and Native Hawaiian-focused curricula help ensure applicants from these communities receive culturally responsive support throughout the application and matriculation process.
How does the MD/MPH dual degree program work in practice?
Students complete required MD clerkships while integrating public health practicum and thesis work, allowing them to develop skills in both clinical care and population-level problem-solving within an extended timeline.
What kinds of research funding and fellowships are available to students?
Students can apply for internal grants, federal fellowships, and community partnership awards that support research on local health priorities, including chronic disease, mental health, and environmental health disparities.