Chief Residents » Residents

Kelsi Mariko Lehua Chan, MD

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
Undergraduate School: Harvard University
Medical School: Oregon Health and Science University

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Q & A

Why did you choose the University of Hawaii to do your training?

I’ve been away from home since high school traveling to the East coast for a decade before moving west for medical school. It was always a dream of mine to return home to provide healthcare for communities I grew up in, which is a large reason I wanted to come home for my residency training. On top of that, the program was close knit, family oriented, with some of the best obstetrical training a program could offer.

What’s the best thing about being a resident at the University of Hawaii?

Of course, it’s Hawaii! Going away for school has made me appreciate this place so much more. The beach is never more than 15 minutes away, the weather is always beautiful, and the people are always welcoming and considerate. Regarding the program, the best thing to me is the close relationships we have with our attendings. We’re able to not just learn from these amazing mentors in medicine, but also develop deep friendships with them as well.

How do you like to spend your time off?

If I have an hour, you will find me at the beach with my husband and my puppy Mali, and usually a few co-resies. Just gave birth to a little boy Nalu, so hopefully make it to the beach for more memories soon.

What’s your favorite place to eat in Hawaii?

I love noodles, so for me Shingen lunch/dinner combos with a Lunar tea boba afterward always hits the spot!

Katrina Chin, MD

Hometown: North Vancouver, BC, Canada
Undergraduate School: Western University, London, ON, Canada
Medical School: Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO

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Q & A

Why did you choose the University of Hawaii to do your training?

At my interview, the residents were incredibly welcoming and there is no place more beautiful to train for four years.

What’s the best thing about being a resident at the University of Hawaii?

The faculty is supportive of the residents and our development while giving us enough autonomy to build up our confidence and skills.

How do you like to spend your off-time?

Hiking, baking, taking my cats & dog to the beach for sunrise.

What’s your favorite place to eat in Hawaii?

Moku Kitchen

Michelle Ichikawa, MD

Hometown: Santa Cruz, California
Undergraduate School: Reed College, Portland, Oregon
Medical School: Oregon Health and Science University

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Q & A

Why did you choose the University of Hawaii to do your training?

I’m sure many of my colleagues will say the same, but I chose University of Hawaii because of the people. We really are a family, and I immediately felt welcomed here even before my interview.

What’s the best thing about being a resident at the University of Hawaii?

There are so many things that are great about being here! I love my fellow residents, we have a great relationship with our attendings, and I feel that both my education and personal well being are valued. Due to our geography we see some exceptionally interesting pathology and I really enjoy working with our incredibly diverse patient population. Not to mention when we get off work- we’re in Hawaii!

How do you like to spend your off-time?

Climbing, hiking, cuddling with my big black dog Ranger and puppy Ben.

What’s your favorite place to eat in Hawaii?

Tane Vegan Izakaya, Miro, Fete. But seriously, this question is too hard.

Lauren Ing, MD

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
Undergraduate School: University of San Francisco
Medical School: University of Hawaii John A Burns School of Medicine

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Q & A

Why did you choose the University of Hawaii to do your training?
I did my medical school training in Hawaii and really loved my rotations as a 3rd year and as a sub-intern. It’s a fast-paced environment, but I got to see and do a lot even as a student and everyone was so nice.

What’s the best thing about being a resident at the University of Hawaii?
I love my fellow residents as they are the ones that keep me going through those tough shifts. I know I can ask for help or ask my dumb questions at any time and they will help support me. It was important for me to find a program where I felt supported not just by the program, but by the people as well.

How do you like to spend your off-time?
I love going to the beach and just relaxing with a boba and poke bowl. I also like to sew and do crafty things, so I got into making face masks during the beginning of COVID. My family is here, so I try to hang out with my parents and see my grandparents when I can.

What’s your favorite place to eat in Hawaii?
Ooh it depends on my mood and cravings! Piggy Smalls, O’Kims, Café Maharani, Scratch, Café Nalu are some of my favorites. I also love boba and my favorite places are Share Tea, Momo Tea, Hana Tea, and Teapresso!

Elizabeth Mercer, MD

Hometown: Zionsville, Indiana
Undergraduate School: Purdue University
Medical School: Indiana School of Medicine

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Q & A

Why did you choose the University of Hawaii to do your training?
The people. I loved all the people that I met during my interview including the residents, attendings, and staff.

What’s the best thing about being a resident at the University of Hawaii?
The best things about being a UH resident are getting to work with a diverse patient population, the people, and living in paradise.

How do you like to spend your off-time?
I love snorkeling, stand up paddling, hiking, and taking my puppy to the beach.

What’s your favorite place to eat in Hawaii?
Wagaya for ramen

Lucia Xiong, MD

Hometown: Southlake, Texas
Undergraduate School: University of Pennsylvania
Medical School: University of New Mexico

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Q & A

Why did you choose the University of Hawaii to do your training?

I chose UH because it serves a unique and diverse population including Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Asian-Americans. After living in Dinétah (Navajo Nation), I became invested in continuing to serve indigenous communities. I found many similar issues on indigenous sovereignty, Native health, and systemic racism and wanted to learn more at UH. The program also offers excellent training in Family Planning and a high patient volume. All of the attendings are very approachable and amazing to work with as well.

What’s the best thing about being a resident at the University of Hawaii?

Even at the end of a long shift, the residents are still having fun and help each other out without hesitation. And surfing after work ain’t so bad!

How do you like to spend your off-time?

Anything outdoors and active: paddleboard surfing, volleyball, snorkeling, running, hiking!

What’s your favorite place to eat in Hawaii?

I can’t imagine choosing just one! Piggy Smalls’ Pho French dip, Wagaya for Ramen, Ono for poke, Hana Tea, and Tio’s Tamales when I’m missing Hatch Green Chile!