A new guard has been selected for JABSOM

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Exciting news for the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM)! Dr. Thomas Samuel “Sam” Shomaker has been appointed as the new dean after his nomination was approved by the UH Board of Regents on May 16.

Dr. Shomaker began his role on July 1, following a thorough nationwide search led by UH Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno.

“Dr. Shomaker has extensive leadership experience and served in senior leadership positions within higher education and medical schools, including his time at JABSOM,” said Bruno. “He has an understanding of the needs of JABSOM, our community and health partners, Hawaiʻi and beyond.”

Background and experience

Dr. Shomaker is no stranger to JABSOM. He graduated from the medical school in 1986 and previously served as vice dean from 2000-2005 and interim dean from 2005-2006. After leaving JABSOM, he served as dean of the Austin campus for the University of Texas Medical Branch and as dean and vice president at Texas A&M Health Science Center.

“Mahalo to the search advisory committee and Provost Bruno for affording me this opportunity,” said Dr. Shomaker. “It is the highest professional honor of my career to be named the dean of my alma mater. My senior quote upon graduation was, ‘thank you for the opportunity to serve the people of the state of Hawaiʻi.’ Now I get to realize that dream.”

Vision for JABSOM

At his public presentation at JABSOM, Dr. Shomaker outlined his ambitious goals for the school. He aims to make JABSOM the leading medical school in the Asia-Pacific region and the top Indigenous-serving medical school in the world. He plans to leverage JABSOM’s unique location to develop research, business, and healthcare connections with Asia and the Continental U.S.

“I am excited by the great potential of JABSOM, both in training the next generation of physicians for Hawaiʻi and in contributing to the diversification of our economy through our research program,” said Dr. Shomaker. “I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, and students of our school and our important clinical partners to make JABSOM all it can be for our state and its people.”

Educational background

Dr. Shomaker has an impressive educational background with 20 years of experience in healthcare. He earned his MD from UH Mānoa, a JD from Georgetown University School of Law, a master’s degree in management from Stanford University Graduate School of Business, and a bachelor’s degree from St. Louis University.

Dr. Shomaker’s return to JABSOM marks an exciting chapter for the school. His vision and experience promise to bring significant advancements and recognition to JABSOM, benefiting the students, faculty, and the wider community of Hawaiʻi.

So, let’s welcome the person who will be steering the education and nurturing of Hawaii’s future physicians and medical researchers.