Presented by Full Circle Education, the Memorial Day gathering at Waikiki Aquarium also featured Dr. Fernandes’ Heaven Series, a collection of palette knife oil paintings exploring themes of light, love, and transcendence, alongside a continued celebration of compassion, community, and healing through art and song.
We are proud to celebrate Christine Spath on the completion of her PI-GWEP Social Work Practicum at the Kauaʻi Community Mental Health Center (KCMHC) and her graduation in Spring 2026. Under the mentorship of Sara Tompkison, Christine contributed to age-friendly and interdisciplinary geriatrics initiatives through the development of educational materials, a community resource guide for older adults, and an Age-Friendly Health Systems training video tailored to the KCMHC setting. Her practicum experience highlighted the importance of integrating age-friendly care principles into behavioral health and community-based services for older adults in Hawaiʻi. We congratulate Christine on this meaningful accomplishment and thank her for her dedication to improving care for kūpuna in our communities.
In May 2026, the Department of Geriatric Medicine proudly celebrated the retirement of Sara Tompkison, LCSW, honoring her many years of compassionate service, dedication, and lasting contributions to the community. Since beginning her career in geriatric social work in 1979, Sara has touched countless lives through her passion for dementia care, education, and advocacy for older adults and their caregivers. As a Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) Social Work Instructor with the John A. Burns School of Medicine, she generously shared her wisdom, kindness, and experience with students, healthcare professionals, patients, and families alike. Sara’s work as a certified Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care (PAC) dementia educator, Dealing with Dementia trainer, former VA REACH interventionist, and Tai Chi instructor reflected her deep commitment to improving the well-being of others. Her warmth, guidance, and unwavering dedication will be greatly missed, and her positive impact will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have worked and learned alongside her.
♥ Four Decades with Geriatric Medicine ♥
The Department of Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program celebrated its 40th Anniversary this year. Over 100 fellow graduates, faculty, community partners, and staff gathered at the John A. Burns School of Medicine in April 2026. A huge milestone honoring a legacy of compassionate care and the training of leaders dedicated to improving the lives of our kupūna. The Department of Geriatric Medicine also celebrated its 22nd Anniversary. The celebration recognized the dedication and commitment of the community. The evening was filled with reminiscing about the PAST, celebrating PRESENT, and envisioning the bright FUTURE ahead for the Geriatric Medicine department and Fellowship program.
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