Elevating
PROVIDING
EXCELLENT
STROKE CARE
STROKE
CARE AT PALI MOMI MEDICAL CENTER
IS A PERSONAL MISSION FOR DR.
HUIDY SHU, MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF
NEUROLOGICAL SERVICES. IN 2002,
JUST AS HE WAS ABOUT TO BEGIN
HIS MEDICAL CAREER, HE FOUND
HIMSELF IN THE ROLE OF A PATIENT,
CARING FOR HIS DAD.
“I began to notice memory problems in my
father,” Dr. Shu said. “His senior moments
slowly became more frequent.”
An initial neurological evaluation suggested
it was a normal part of the aging process.
“I was relieved but somewhat skeptical to
hear this as dad's memory loss continued
to progress,” Dr. Shu said. “In 2007, I took
him to see a behavioral neurology specialist
who eventually provided a diagnosis of
dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.”
It was a life-changing experience, one that
has shaped the way Dr. Shu relates to his
patients and their families who are going
through the same challenges.
years, Pali Momi’s Stroke Center has also
been honored as a Gold Plus Award winner
by the American Heart Association and
American Stroke Association for the quality
of clinical care
Amy Thomas, director of clinical education.
High-fidelity manikins that mimic real-life
patients’ symptoms and reactions allow
physicians and nurses to learn from their
mistakes without compromising a patient’s
As the only trauma center for Central
and West O‘ahu, Pali Momi continues to
educate its staff on the best way to treat
safety.
“It also allows us to train with our own
equipment in our own environment and
“Within the first few months of my arrival stroke patients or anyone in emergency to Pali Momi in 2010, I quickly noticed that situations when his or her life is at risk. the two most burdensome neurological Health care, like other high-risk industries issues facing our community were stroke including the airline and nuclear industries, and dementia,” Dr. Shu said. requires frequent and intense training Research shows that simulation training
because lives are at stake. Simulation retention rates are nearly 70 percent higher
training is an essential part of improving than traditional training methods.
patient safety and outcomes. A recent donation in support of Pali
Since then, with Dr. Shu and his team in
place, Pali Momi has elevated its stroke
care. Pali Momi’s Stroke Center has
10
Dr. Huidy Shu examining a patient.
practice skills that would otherwise take
years to develop in the clinical setting,”
said Amy.
treated more than a thousand patients “Simulation virtual Momi’s trauma and stroke program will
with the latest technologies and most up- environment that allows for teamwork, help equip an on-site simulation lab.
to-date methods available.
training
creates
a
It achieved engagement and communication and is the The Pali Momi Foundation is fundraising
accreditation as a Primary Stroke Center only place, besides the real clinical setting, for three simulation bays, simulators,
by the Joint Commission. For three straight to practice this type of skill mastery,” said computer stations, online trauma modules,