Pacific Permanente Group (PPG) congratulates psychiatrist Fatima Imara, MD, who was recently named the Healthcare Association of Hawaii’s (HAH) Physician of the Year for 2024. This esteemed peer award recognizes Dr. Imara’s exceptional contributions to behavioral health care and her compassionate service to the Maui community, particularly during the aftermath of the Maui wildfires.
Dr. Imara has consistently gone above and beyond in providing psychiatric care, especially in support of individuals affected by the Maui wildfires. By working with colleagues at PPG, Maui Health, and other community partners, she provided critical mental health resources to families and individuals experiencing trauma and loss during the recovery process.
“Dr. Imara embodies the essence of patient- and family-centered care. Her dedication to her patients, her collaborative spirit, and her deep compassion for the community have made an indelible impact during challenging times,” said Chris Martin, MD, Assistant Area Medical Director of Pacific Permanente Group. “We’re honored to have her represent Pacific Permanente Group with this well-deserved recognition.”
As a key member of the Maui Memorial Medical Center psychiatric department, Dr. Imara collaborates with a multidisciplinary team at Maui Health, including social workers, psychologists, and nurses, to deliver holistic care for patients. She’s known for her quiet leadership, humility, and advocacy for comprehensive approaches to well-being, often encouraging patients to explore meditation, yoga, and other holistic treatments in addition to traditional medical care.
“Dr. Imara’s contributions to behavioral health go far beyond her clinical responsibilities,” said Bart Evans, LSW, a social worker at MMMC. “Her commitment to treating everyone with respect, dignity, and care, no matter their circumstances, has been inspirational for our team at Maui Health and the community we serve.”
Dr. Imara serves as a strong advocate for mental health patients and actively participates in family-oriented health events. Her dedication to social justice and public service reflects her belief in the role of health care providers in building stronger, healthier communities.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition from HAH,” said Dr. Imara. “It has been my privilege to serve the truly inspirational people of Maui. As a psychiatrist, I hope this award will help raise awareness about mental health and the essential role it plays in our communities.”
Dr. Imara will be formally recognized at the 2024 HAH Awards and Scholarship Gala on Oct. 26.
About Pacific Permanente Group
Pacific Permanente Group (PPG), a local group practice led by physicians, was established in 2016 to provide high-quality, patient- and family-centered health care to the people of Maui and the islands’ visitors. PPG specializes in behavioral health, cardiology and interventional cardiology, critical care medicine, emergency medicine, internal medicine, gastroenterology, hematology and oncology, neurology, and orthopedic surgery.
Our PPG physicians and providers are dedicated to compassion, innovation, and excellence in caring for our patients, their family members, and the communities we serve. Accepting a wide range of insurance plans, PPG physicians and providers practice at Maui Health System facilities: Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, and Kula Hospital & Clinic.
For more information, please visit pacificpermanente.com.
About Maui Health
Maui Health is committed to delivering high-quality, affordable, patient-centered health care and improving the health of the community. Our community hospitals and outpatient clinics include Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital, Kula Clinic, Lanai Community Hospital, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, and Maui Memorial Medical Center Wound Care and Hyperbaric Therapy. Our community hospitals on Maui and Lanai are open to everyone, regardless of health insurance. We are proud to employ over 1,600 residents and partner with over 460 hospital-based physicians, clinicians, and community-based primary and specialty physicians. Maui Health is affiliated with and supported by Kaiser Permanente’s industry-leading technology systems, evidence-based medicine, and nationally recognized care quality.
For more information, visit mauihealth.org.
About the Healthcare Association of Hawaii
The Healthcare Association of Hawaii (HAH) has been the leading voice of healthcare in Hawaii since 1939.
The Healthcare Association of Hawaii’s 170 member organizations include the acute care hospitals in Hawaii, public and private skilled nursing facilities, type II adult residential care homes, the Medicare-certified home health agencies, hospices, assisted living facilities, and home infusion/pharmacies. Members also represent other healthcare providers from throughout the continuum including case management, air and ground ambulance, blood bank, dialysis, and more.
The primary focus of HAH is working with healthcare executives and their employees on vital industry issues such as advocacy (in DC and Hawaii), quality and reimbursement improvement, strategic education, emergency preparedness, healthcare workforce, public relations, shared savings and reducing costs.
In a time of unprecedented change in healthcare, The Healthcare Association of Hawaii is committed to working with providers across the continuum of care toward a healthcare system that offers the best possible quality of care to the people of Hawaii. For more information, visit hah.org.
