Dr. Marjorie Mau is a well-known physician in Internal Medicine, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism. In 2016, she earned the prestigious title of “master” physician from the American College of Physicians (ACP) and became the first Native Hawaiian woman to achieve this honor. The recognition was bestowed upon her during a convocation ceremony at the ACP’s annual meeting for internal medicine in Washington D.C.
A proud graduate of Kalani High School and Creighton University, where she obtained her undergraduate and medical degrees, Dr. Mau furthered her education with a master’s degree from the Harvard School of Public Health. She has since become a prominent figure at the University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine, where she serves as the principal investigator and director of the Center for Native and Pacific Health Disparities Research. Additionally, Dr. Mau holds the esteemed Myron P. Thompson Endowed Chair for Native Hawaiian Health and was the pioneering chair of the Department of Native Hawaiian Health at John A. Burns School of Medicine.
Dr. Mau has made significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the area of metabolic disorders among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Her groundbreaking research has not only advanced our understanding of these conditions but has also garnered substantial external funding, bringing over $20.9 million to the University of Hawaiʻi medical school and contributing to Hawaiʻi’s biomedical research economy.
In addition to her research endeavors, Dr. Mau is dedicated to patient care, providing her expertise at Molokaʻi and the Lau Ola Clinic in Honolulu, operated by University Health Partners of Hawaiʻi. Her commitment to improving healthcare access and quality for underserved populations, coupled with her advocacy for health equity and diversity in medicine, embodies the spirit of a true master physician.
In 2010, she was recognized by The National Institutes of Health as one of eight exemplary mentors for young scientists through the BioMedical Faces of Science program, further highlighting her dedication to fostering the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals.
As the first Native Hawaiian woman to be recognized as a Master Physician by the American College of Physicians, Dr. Marjorie Mau’s legacy continues to inspire and empower individuals across the globe. Her pioneering efforts in research, patient care, and advocacy serve as a testament to the transformative impact that individuals can have when they combine passion, expertise, and a commitment to serving others.