Dr. Kore Kai Liow Named 2026 Physician of the Year by the Hawaiʻi Medical Association
A career defined by compassion, innovation, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Hawaiʻi
Award presented by Governor Josh Green, MD State of Hawaiʻi
HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI — Hawaiʻi Pacific Neuroscience proudly celebrates Kore Kai Liow, MD, Founder and Neuroscience Chair of Hawaiʻi Pacific Neuroscience, upon receiving the 2026 Physician of the Year Award from the Hawaiʻi Medical Association.
This extraordinary honor recognizes a physician whose professional journey has been shaped not simply by advances in medicine, but by a profound commitment to people, service, and community.
For Dr. Liow, medicine has always been about more than treating disease. It has been about seeing the person behind the diagnosis, bringing hope to patients and families, opening doors to those who have historically lacked access to specialized care, and creating opportunities for the next generation of physicians and scientists.
“Medicine is ultimately about people—caring for patients, serving our community, and creating opportunities for the next generation. I am deeply humbled by this recognition and grateful to everyone who has shared this journey with me.”
— Kore Kai Liow, MD
Dr. Liow celebrates with the Hawaiʻi Pacific Neuroscience ʻohana and receives the 2026 Physician of the Year Award, presented by Governor Josh Green, MD.
After moving to Hawaiʻi in 2009, Dr. Liow and his wife, Michelle, founded Hawaiʻi Pacific Neuroscience with a vision of addressing the unmet neurological needs of the islands. What began as a commitment to improve access to specialized neurological care has grown into one of Hawaiʻi’s leading neuroscience organizations, integrating clinical care, research, education, and innovation.
Under his leadership, Hawaiʻi Pacific Neuroscience has provided access to more than 200 innovative neuroscience research therapies and clinical trials, giving patients in Hawaiʻi opportunities to participate in advanced research and treatments that might otherwise require travel far from home.
Yet perhaps Dr. Liow’s most enduring legacy is found in the people he has mentored.
Throughout his career, he has devoted countless hours to teaching and guiding medical students, residents, fellows, physicians, and researchers. Through the BRAIN (Bridging Research And Innovation in Neuroscience) program, he continues to nurture young investigators and future healthcare leaders, encouraging them to combine scientific curiosity with compassion and service.
His commitment to those who are underserved has been equally defining. Dr. Liow has championed efforts to reduce disparities in neurological care and expand access to research and specialized treatment for minority and underserved populations. This commitment was formally recognized by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature in 2024.
A Legacy of Service, Innovation, and Aloha in Medicine
This distinguished honor recognizes Dr. Liow’s exceptional contributions to patient care, neuroscience research, medical education, and service to the people of Hawaiʻi.
Exceptional Patient Care
Expanded access to specialized neurological care for all, including underserved and minority communities in Hawaiʻi.
Advancing Neuroscience
Brought more than 200 innovative neuroscience research therapies and clinical trials to Hawaiʻi.
Education and Mentorship
Guided hundreds of medical students, residents, fellows, physicians, and researchers, including through the BRAIN (Bridging Research And Innovation in Neuroscience) program.
Service to the Community
Champion for reducing health disparities in neurological care, formally recognized by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature in 2024.
A Physician. A Mentor. A Servant Leader.
The 2026 Physician of the Year Award is therefore more than recognition of professional achievement. It is a celebration of a philosophy of medicine—one grounded in servant leadership, stewardship, humility, and aloha.
I am deeply humbled by this recognition. Whatever I have been able to accomplish has been possible because of the patients who trusted us, the colleagues who walked alongside us, the students and physicians who inspired us, and my family who supported this journey. Medicine is ultimately about serving others and leaving our community better than we found it.”
— Kore Kai Liow, MD
For Hawaiʻi Pacific Neuroscience, this moment is an opportunity to celebrate not only an award, but a legacy of service.
Congratulations to Dr. Kore Kai Liow, whose life and career continue to demonstrate that the greatest impact a physician can make is measured not only by the diseases treated or discoveries made, but by the lives touched, opportunities created, and generations inspired.
Commendation from Governor Josh Green, MD
On the occasion of the 27th Annual Ola Pono Ike Gala, Governor Josh Green, MD issued a commendation in honor of Dr. Liow’s 2026 Physician of the Year award, recognizing his accomplishments in medicine, medical education, and enriching quality of life for the people of Hawaiʻi.
“Kore, mahalo nui loa for all you have done for the profession and for Hawaiʻi.”
September 26, 2026 · PDF · 1 page · 1.9 MB
Congratulations, Dr. Liow, on being named the 2026 Physician of the Year by the Hawaiʻi Medical Association.
Your legacy is one of medicine, mentorship, innovation—and aloha.
