By Mark Yanai

Introducing Kaitlin

I can’t believe our Co-ops have been with us for two months already and all five of them have been wonderful additions to the F&L Ohana! We would like to introduce our final Co-Op student, Kaitlin, who works primarily at our clinics located at the Kokokahi YWCA in Kaneohe. She has been doing a great job of bouncing back and forth between the Aquatic center, WORC and Kaneohe clinic. She celebrated her birthday last week, so it’s only appropriate that we get to know her a little better and wish her a Hau’oli La Hanau!(HAPPY BIRTHDAY!)

What school did you attend in high school and what’s your current college?
I went to South Carroll High School in Maryland. I currently attend Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.

What drew you to PT?
When I was younger I wanted to be a teacher, but as I got older I felt a draw to be more involved in the medical field. Physical therapy is a career that involves both teaching and medicine! Once I started looking at physical therapy schools, I knew that it was the right choice for me.

Why did you want to do your coop in Hawaii?
I love to travel and I wanted a change of pace from Boston.

What is the strangest thing you have eaten since arriving?
Natto! I tried it at a Japanese market in town with Mila.
What is on your to do list while here?
I really want to do a bicycle trip around the entire island! I also would love to learn how to surf.

What are your outside interests?
I really enjoy hiking, biking, and being outdoors! I love finding new places and meeting new faces, and any activities that can involve both : )

What kind of therapist do you hope to be?
I really hope that I can incorporate injury prevention programs into my career as a physical therapist. I am very interested in pediatric and geriatric orthopedics and hope to be able to work with both patient demographics.

Who is your greatest influence in your life?
My dad has been a huge influence in my life. He is the reason I hold so much value in being active and healthy. Growing up he always encouraged me to try new things, go new places, and find active ways to have fun. I wouldn’t be on the road to becoming a physical therapist if it weren’t for the experiences I had growing up with him.

 

Happy at Work
By Mark Yanai

New Beginnings at Kuakini

Welcome to F&L’s Newest Clinic

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F&L recently opened its newest clinic in the Physicians Tower of the Kuakini Medical Center (KMC). After our Honolulu Clinic moved out of the Pali Medical Center a few of years ago, we temporarily shared offices with other businesses at KMC.

Last year, we were fortunate enough to find our own office space in the Physicians Tower and began building the clinic from scratch. Under the direction of owner, Art Lum, and clinic director Shaw Okawara, PT, the clinic was successfully completed in January and began seeing patients on the 18th.

One of Art’s visions for the new Honolulu clinic was to not only provide physical therapy services at this clinic, but to allow it to become a gathering place for the community and its many special programs.

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In February, the Honolulu clinic was honored to host the grand opening of ALS Association’s Golden West Chapter’s first ALS multidisciplinary clinic in Hawaii.

Previously, it was difficulty for patients with ALS to receive the necessary care for the disease in Hawaii. Patients with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) experience a progressive loss of the ability to talk, walk, swallow, move and breathe. It is due to the multiple symptoms of the disease, a team of varied medical professionals is needed to treat one person.

The new clinic at KMC will offer such an opportunity for patients by providing physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, nutrition, speech therapy and emotional support. Representing F&L in the group are Art Lum, PT, and Nicole Sato, M.O.T.

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Heading this group is Brandon Hirota, MD, of Neurology Associates in Kuakini and Fred Fisher, CEO and Golden West Chapter President. Their work and passion have been a driving force to provide a one-stop clinic that will meet once a month at KMC. F&L is grateful that we can be a part of such a program that will provide a much needed service for the community.

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For any information regarding the ALS Group of Hawaii, please contact the ALS Association at 1-866-750-2572 or email the at [email protected]

The Honolulu clinic also began another great venture by opening its doors this past Saturday to F&L staff and KMC volunteers for a Tai Chi Chuan class. Classes will be held every Saturday from 11am – 12pm. Details to follow in an upcoming blog.

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If you are interested in receiving physical therapy services at our new Honolulu clinic, please call us at (808)-521-4922.

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