The University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine plans to admit more students to help cope with the state's physician shortage.

Preliminary findings of a work-force study being conducted at the medical school show Hawaii is short at least 500 physicians, Dean Jerris Hedges said in the school's April newsletter.

The school is increasing its freshman class to 64 students from 62, and the Imi Ho'ola Post-Baccalaureate Program is expanding to 12 students from 10.

Imi Ho'ola, meaning “;those who seek to heal,”; recruits college graduates every year from socially, educationally or economically disadvantaged backgrounds for an intensive yearlong course to strengthen their knowledge in science and humanities.

Students who complete the program successfully are admitted into the next medical school class.

Both increases will begin in July, and Hedges hopes to continue adding to each new medical school class until the school admits 75 students a year. Two cardiology fellowships also will begin in July through a partnership with the Queen's Medical Center.

Hedges announced expansion of Imi Ho'ola Friday in welcoming remarks at a conference of health professionals called He Huliau (”;a turning point”;), aimed at improving health equity among native and Pacific peoples.

“;It sends a strong message that despite the economic downturn, (the school) remains steadfast to its mission of promoting a diverse physician work force for Hawaii and the Pacific,”; he said.

Said Dr. Nanette Judd, director of the Imi Ho'ola program, “;My greatest reward is witnessing the success of Imi Ho'ola graduates who are now in practice in rural and underserved communities of Hawaii.”;

Dr. Chiyome Fukino, director of the state Department of Health, was in Imi Ho'ola's first class in 1972-73.

Dr. Gerard Akaka, vice president for medical affairs and chief medical officer for the Queen's Medical Center, is another noted graduate.

Akaka, son of U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, told the Star-Bulletin last year he will be “;forever grateful”; for Imi Ho'ola. He said he would not be where he is if not for the medical school “;boot camp.”;

The medical school now has a total of about 250 students in four classes and another 250 in its residency training program.

According to the medical school, Imi Ho'ola has helped 204 students become physicians since it began. Of those, 40 percent are native Hawaiians, 61 percent are practicing in Hawaii and the Pacific and 73 percent are working in the critical shortage area of primary care.