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We are writing in response to the June 21 article in The Maui News titled “Maui Medical Group losing two OB/GYN physicians.” As hardworking OB/GYN physicians in the community, we find this article disturbing. It is highly inaccurate in many ways.
Maui Medical Group (MMG) currently employs two full-time and one part-time OB/GYNs. One of the OBs did put in her notice with an end date of June but made it very clear that she was willing to work through the fall to wind down the department and provide coverage for the patients.
The other two OBs did not quit by any means. They had full intentions of continuing with the group but were informed that the department would be closing July 31. The announcement of this closure sent patients scrambling throughout the community to find care. Most patients were not even called immediately about the closure and, instead, were informed during follow-up appointments. In addition, the amount of pregnant patients quoted of 100 is significantly higher.
The statements made that MMG would be continuing GYN care with an OB/GYN provider are premature and currently not accurate. There is no contract or guarantee in place that any provider (with the exception of a nurse practitioner) will be staying to continue this care for MMG patients. Currently, many patients that need GYN care are seeking out providers in the community. MMG’s current primary care physicians are also referring out to the community as well.
The burden that MMG has placed on the community physicians is substantial. Although the quality of care provided will not change from the community physicians, it has forced us to hire more help, including locum (temporary) physicians, until permanent spots are filled. The financial burden of this is very high, especially for small practices within the community. MMG could have provided locums coverage for their patients in order for them to finish out the pregnancies but it chose not to.
OB/GYN care on Maui is strong. It will now be stronger with the closure of a group that in no way understands the needs of the women in the community or the needs of the OB/GYN providers.
* Dr. Stacy Ammerman has been practicing as a board-certified OB/GYN on Maui for five years. She trained at Harbor UCLA Medical Center and is currently practicing at Maui Lani Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Christy Takemoto is chairman of the OB/GYN department at Maui Memorial Medical Center. She has been practicing as a board-certified OB/GYN on Maui for nine years and is currently at Maui Lani Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Celeste Adrian is the physician/owner of Stellar Women’s Health Specialists and has been in private practice on Maui since 2011. She is board certified and holds a clinical faculty position with the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. Dr. Aaron Altura has practiced as a board-certified OB/GYN on Maui since 1996 at Malama I Ke Ola. He completed residency at Louisiana State University Medical Center. Dr. Jaimie Johnson joined Malama I Ke Ola in 2014 after completing her OB/GYN residency with the UH John A. Burns School of Medicine.