HAWAII UNIVERSITY SURGEONS

MD:  University of California San Diego

Residency:  University of California Davis for Surgical Residency Program

Fellowship in Surgical Critical Care:  University of Hawaii Surgical Critical Care Fellowship

Research Fellowship:  The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla California

Areas of Specialization:  Breast Surgery, Trauma Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care

Honors / Awards:  Hawaii's Young Surgeon Delegate for the American College of Surgeons (2002)

Professional Organizations:  American College of Surgeons (Fellow), Member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, Association of Women Surgeons, Southwest Surgical Congress, Association of Surgical Education (Vice Chair of ASE Education Research Committee)

Current Positions:  Director of Surgical Medical Student Education - Associate Professor of Surgery, John A. Burns School of Medicine 

Practice Site:  The Queen's Medical Center

Contact Information:  UCERA / Hawaii University Surgeons, phone number: 528-4144

Languages Spoken:  English

Personal Philosophy:  To provide conscientious care that employs the latest research and technology, while recognizing the uniqueness of every patient that I see.  I try to keep my patients well informed and encourage collaborative decision-making.

Interview with Dr.Steinemann

MC: Dr. Steinemann, what inspired you to become a doctor ?  If you weren't a doctor, what would you be doing now ?

MC: How did you become interested in your area of specialty 

MC: What do you like best about being a doctor ?  Please describe your most memorable moment.

MC: What is something you would like to change about the medical field?

MC:  What is the mission of Hawaii University Surgeons, and what makes it different from other medical groups?

MC:  Sum up your philosophy of life in one sentence.

Dr. Steinemann: On a trip to Hawaii in high school, I read a book called The Making of a Surgeon.  In college, I was an ocean lifeguard in San Diego and did first aid an handled emergencies.  It was great working with a team with trained people.  In medical school, my mentor, Steve Shackford, was the head of the Division of Trauma, so that's what interested me in trauma.   If I wasn't a doctor, I'd probably be lifeguarding (if money and melanoma were'nt issues).

Dr. Steinemann: Once again, due to my mentorship, I became interested. 

Dr. Steinemann: Being a doctor is both fascinating and humbling.  You realize the complexity of medicine and human health. Every person is different and illnesses also present differently. I also like having the opportunity to have an impact through care and research 

Dr. Steinemann:  Technological advances are tremendous, but they come at a price. Insurance companies are losing sight of what's important. For example, doctor-patient communication and interaction are devalued in favor of tests, some of which are not relevant in certain contexts.

Dr. Steinemann: We have a shared focus not only on patient care, but also providing resources to other practitioners in the State and the Pacific Rim. We are also involved in both teaching and learning, and we keep abreast of the latest developments. We also learn from our students and residents and have a commitment to research to expand our surgical knowledge - not just practicing the same old way.

Dr. Steinemann: Everyone has a potential to live a very healthy and fulfilled life. I've been blessed with people and opportunities that have given me an enriched and full life. My mission is to help others to achieve their potential.