WHEREAS, Dr. Jorge G. Camara is an extraordinary man who has been described as a dedicated ophthalmologist, educator, researcher, and humanitarian, a man who has dedicated his life to service; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Camara was a brilliant medical student, graduating as valedictorian from medical school and receiving the Most Outstanding Graduate award, receiving the Most Outstanding Intern Award during his internship, becoming board certified in ophthalmology, and becoming a Fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Camara's excellent academic credentials have ensured him an outstanding and lucrative career, yet Dr. Camara has also dedicated his life to providing free medical care to the homeless, the uninsured, the elderly, and new immigrants; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Camara has served as a volunteer ophthalmologist: with the Aloha Medical Mission, providing services to indigent patients throughout Southeast Asia; at the Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls, a charitable organization providing free medical care to newly arrived immigrants without health insurance; and with the National Eye Care Project, providing free care to senior citizens without medical insurance in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Camara has distinguished himself nationally and internationally for his work in ophthalmic and reconstructive surgery, including ground-breaking surgical procedures, and has presenting papers at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Camara has pioneered the instruction of physicians in the Philippines and the neighbor islands via telemedicine, and, through the John Burns School of Medicine, brings a physician from the Philippines over every six months to train in general and specialized techniques; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Camara has received numerous awards for his outstanding service, including the Philippine Presidential Award for the "Outstanding Overseas Filipino in Medicine" in 2000, the Hawaii Medical Association's 2001 Physician of the Year award, the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Outstanding Humanitarian Service award in 2002, and the 2003 Monsignor Charles A. Kekumano Award for Service, to be presented in April 2003; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Camara has served tirelessly on numerous boards and organizations, including serving: as Chairman of Ophthalmology for, and on the Board of Directors of, St. Francis Medical Center; as Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Hawaii School of Medicine; as President of the Association of Philippine Ophthalmologists in America; and on the Board of Directors of Aloha Medical Mission; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jorge G. Camara is a brilliant researcher, a generous teacher, and an exemplary humanitarian; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that this body honors Dr. Jorge Camara for his extraordinary service to the public, his dedication to others, and his boundless compassion; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Dr. Jorge G. Camara.

Report Title:

Honoring Dr. Jorge Camara