Doctor training program promising for Big Isle

The island of Hawaii has suffered for years from a shortage of doctors, and a new program seems like the right prescription.

The state government has released $1.8 million to fund a residency program at Hilo Medical Center that will train primary-care physicians to lead a group of advanced nurse practitioners, clinical pharmacists and behavioral specialists. The model highlights shared responsibility to improve outcomes for patients, and also serves to recruit, train and retain local talent, so young doctors can develop a healthy practice on the Big Island and spend their careers there.

Given that the doctor shortage on Hawaii island is pegged at nearly twice the statewide rate — 34 percent versus 18 percent, according to one study — the program’s July start date can’t come soon enough.

Homegrown talent shining again

Hawaii has been here before, rooting for a homegrown Heisman Trophy contender.

The big win didn’t materialize last year for Punahou product Manti Te’o, but prospects seem brighter for Saint Louis alumnus Marcus Mariota.

First off, Mariota is on the offense, having a brilliant season as quarterback for the Oregon Ducks. The odds were always against Te’o, who was a linebacker for Notre Dame; only one purely defensive player has ever won the award, considered the most prestigious in college football.

There’s plenty of games to play before the award is announced in December, but if Mariota keeps playing the way he has so far this season, the Heisman could be his.