HONOLULU – The Queen’s Medical Center (Queen’s) has recognized Ryon Nakasone, M.D., and Malia Ramirez, M.D., as its 2020 Ke Kauka Po‘okela Outstanding Physicians of the Year.
This annual award recognizes physicians of Queen’s medical staff who exemplify high-quality care, professional conduct, outstanding contributions to the medical field and a spirit of aloha.
“As we go through this global pandemic, we are reminded of how Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV established The Queen’s Hospital under similar circumstances, guided by a deep love for their people,” said Jill Hoggard Green, PhD, RN, President and CEO of The Queen’s Health System. “Dr. Nakasone and Dr. Ramirez exemplify this spirit of aloha through their commitment to improve the health and well-being of our community. They truly embody Queen’s C.A.R.E. values of Compassion, Aloha, Respect and Excellence.”
Dr. Nakasone received the award for Outstanding Community-Based Physician. He is an MD Anderson-certified oncologist and hematologist. He serves as Assistant Chief of the Department of Oncology at Queen’s, and is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Hawaii (UH). The Saint Louis School graduate received his Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology from UH Manoa, and his medical degree from UH’s John A. Burns School of Medicine. He completed his residency with the UH Internal Medicine Residency Program.
“I don’t want patients to be afraid of coming to see me. Patients are not just a diagnosis – they’re people. You have to think of how you can help them in many aspects of their lives, both physically and emotionally,” Nakasone said.
Dr. Ramirez received the award for Outstanding Hospital-Based Physician. She is the Associate Medical Director of the Queen’s Hospitalist Program, and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Hawaii. She works on many Queen’s initiatives to streamline and improve overall patient care. She serves on the Patient Experience Steering Committee and the Queen’s Medical Group Executive Advisory Committee, and is a graduate of the Queen’s Advanced Quality Training Program. The Punahou School graduate received her Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from Stanford University, and her medical degree from UH’s John A. Burns School of Medicine. She completed her residency at the University of California, San Francisco.
“Despite the challenges in health care, I really enjoy doing this work and partnering with all of the disciplines that make up the health care team. Embracing the team model is what gets me through the challenges and makes my work meaningful,” Ramirez said.
