Medical & Dental Retreats

Medical Retreat

On October 25th, our medical team got the chance to relax, unwind and reconnect during their annual department retreat. Staff, providers, and interpreters from Medical, Behavioral Health, Pharmacy, Optometry and Nutrition departments engaged in fun activities and educational discussions at St. Anthony’s Retreat Center in Kalihi Valley.  

It was a jam-packed day which started with a delicious breakfast. After that, several training sessions were held addressing Chest Pain Protocol and Inclusivity and Cultural Humility for our LGBTQ+ Patients. Lunch was provided by Bangkok Chef. Following lunch came a round of bingo, team building games and relaxation activities, including tai chi, yoga, meditation and a paint-your-own-bag activity.  

The goal of the retreat was to learn, team build, relax, and have fun. The team was lucky to have had perfect weather on their retreat day, which allowed them to experience the beauty of the natural surroundings at the retreat center.  

The retreat would not have been possible without all the helping hands that went into planning and organizing. We want to say a big mahalo to the following volunteers: 

Planning Committee: BH and Nutrition teams led by Dr. Lisa Ambrosino Ho and Sheryl Yoshimura 

Activities: 

• Bingo game: Sheryl Yoshimura and Marena Enita 

• Team building games and activities: Laila Adres, Aljon Mamac, Sharonne Jacinto, Judy Lacar, Sharon Perez and Rose Dahuya 

• Relaxation activities: 

• Tai chi: Dr. Kapono Chang 

• Yoga: Victoria Pun 

• Forest bath meditation: Dr. Alexis Grieves 

• Mindfulness meditation: Dr. Moe Hla, Etsuko Foster, LCSW and Kelly Reyes 

• Paint your own bag activity: Malerie Ibarra, Sharonne Ancheta, Sharon Perez, Judy Lacar and Rosemarie Dahuya 

We would also like to say mahalo to everyone who helped set up, clean up, man the check in table and help direct traffic. 

Dental Retreat

Our Dental team also held their annual department retreat on July 12th. The team used this time to refresh the department and integrate new dental residents into the KKV ʻohana.  

One of the highlights of any dental retreat is sharing stories about Dr. David Breese, the man who spearheaded the dental program at KKV. The retreats are a way to make sure his vision for the department continues to be perpetuated, and his legacy is familiar to all, even those who may not have worked with him.  

This year’s retreat began with Emergency Preparedness Training, which included watching a new video memorializing Dr. Breese’s legacy at KKV. The highlight of the video was a clip of him sharing a powerful story about why he chose to work at KKV. The team then visited Dr. Breese's grave at Punchbowl, which is an annual tradition for the department to honor the man who gave them so much. After the visit, the retreat continued at Hoʻoulu ʻĀina, where stuff completed an Adapted Staff Retention Survey from the National Network for Oral Health Access. The purpose of using an adapted survey was to see how our statistics compared to national ones. After lunch, the staff played a round of mini golf at Bay View Mini Putt and Zipline in Kaneohe. It was a productive and fun day for all and served an important role in perpetuating Dr. Breese's legacy and serving the needs of our community.