Category: Member News

Caring for Each Other

Submitted by Kelly Foster, DVM, HVMA Hawaii County Representative

Aloha, colleagues.

This fall, VIN News reported the death by suicide of a recent veterinary graduate on the mainland, someone just beginning a career they’d worked years to reach. Out of respect for the family, we won’t name them. But many of us read it and felt it in our chests.

We know the weight of this work: long days, hard goodbyes, debt, clients who don’t see how much we give. Veterinarians face higher suicide risk; in one Canadian survey, about a quarter had considered it in the past year. If that’s ever been you, you’re not weak, and you’re not alone. Connection is one of our strongest protections.

Here in Hawaiʻi, we’re few and spread across islands, and it’s easy to carry things quietly. Please don’t.

A painful moment at NOMV

For many of us, Not One More Vet was the first place we felt understood. Now, according to a September 30 VIN News report, it’s in turmoil. Long-time volunteers, including Dr. Carrie Jurney, say they were removed or locked out after raising concerns about transparency, and that the Lifeboat peer-support program was ended without consulting them. NOMV says it parted ways with a small number of volunteers, disputes the word “banned,” and declined to give details. We hope the community finds its footing. In the meantime, confirm what NOMV currently offers before relying on it.

If you need someone today

  • Call or text 988 (808 numbers reach Hawaiʻi CARES)
  • Hawaiʻi CARES, 24/7: 808-832-3100 or 1-800-753-6879
  • Text ALOHA to 741741
  • VMHS: free, confidential virtual support groups for all veterinary staff (not a crisis line): VMHS@nomv.org

Text a colleague today. Ask how they’re really doing, then stay for the answer.

Meet a Board Member – Leo Murakami

Leo Murakami, DVM was born and raised in Honolulu. He attended Kansas State University for three years before getting his veterinary degree at the University of Minnesota in 1985. He started his small animal professional career with a brief stint at the animal quarantine center in Halawa, before relocating to Maui where he was an associate veterinarian for Dr. Kehler for 5 years at the Kihei and Lahaina Veterinary Clinics. He subsequently purchased the Lahaina Veterinary Clinic and was the sole practitioner there until the Maui Wildfire in 2023.

Since then Dr. Murakami is semi-retired, but continues to offer limited house call type of services primarily in the Lahaina area. He enjoys veterinary surgery and medicine, learning (broadly), golf, the outdoors, relaxing, and painting (as in, his house).

Dr. Murakami has served on the HVMA Board for longer than we remember! He wants you to know: “HVMA is here for you, so if you have questions or concerns that you think we might be able to address, ask or let us know. You might not get the answer you wanted, but if you don’t ask, you probably won’t get an answer. I look forward to meeting everyone at the next conference.”

Meet a Board Member – Kelly Foster

Kelly Foster, DVM
Hawai’i Representative

Dr. Kelly Foster is originally from Birmingham, Alabama.  She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Birmingham-Southern College and then from Auburn University as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and is currently serving on the HVMA Board as a Hawai’i County Representative. 

She moved to Denver, Colorado and practiced there for 10 years before deciding she had enough of the city life and needed to be closer to the ocean. In 2021, she moved to Kona and started with Waikoloa Veterinary Service.

After some unexpected health issues in 2024, she switched from general practice to focus on helping address the island’s pet overpopulation problem, working primarily with Aloha Animal Alliance. She enjoys spending time with her pets, reading, snorkeling on our beautiful islands, and traveling the world with her husband.

2026 HVMA Scholarship Recipients

HVMA would like to congratulate our 2026 scholarship award recipients: Tiana Goudreault and Riana Kaya. Your dues help to provide these annual scholarships and support our local veterinary students – thank you!

Tiana Goudreault just finished her first year at Oregon State University. She has an Animal Sciences degree from the University of Hawaii and is a Castle High School graduate. After graduation, she plans to enter emergency small animal practice, but she also has an interest in exotic animal species and small ruminants. 

Riana Kaya is a rising third year student at Washington State University. She has a BS in Animal Sciences from the University of Hawaii and a minor in English. She is active in WSU’s SAVMA organization. She is interested in anatomic pathology and exotic animal medicine and will explore these areas while in veterinary school. She plans to be an active HVMA member when she returns to Hawaii!

Meet a Board Member – Christine Nishimoto

Christine Nishimoto, DVM
Kaua’i Representative

Christine Nishimoto, DVM, was born and raised on the west side of Kaua’i. She is a proud alumna of Kaua’i High School, and pursued her undergraduate education at Washington State University, where she received a Bachelors degree in Microbiology. In the spring of 2022, Dr. Christine obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She is currently practicing as an associate veterinarian in her family practice, Paradise Animal Clinic – Kalaheo, Kauai, HI, as a small animal veterinarian.

Dr. Nishimoto has a passion for volunteer and community service. She is a proud member of her local Rotary Club of Poipu Beach and is the current president-elect for her club. She is also the Immediate Past President of the Washington State University Alumni Associate Hawaii Chapter.

In Remembrance of Ihor Basko

February 13, 1947 – February 14, 2026

Ihor Basko, DVM

lhor Basko, DVM, beloved veterinarian and longtime member of the Kauai community passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, at the age of 79.

He is survived by his devoted wife and partner of 45 years, Jane Winter-Basko, whose life and work were closely intertwined with his through decades of shared purpose and compassion for animals and their community. He is also survived by his niece, Alona Dakhnenko of Ukraine, his only living family member.

Dr. Basko was born on February 13, 1947, in Aschaffenburg, Germany, the son of Dmytro Basko and Luba (Sawka) Basko. He later moved to the United States, where he pursued his lifelong calling in veterinary medicine.

After completing his veterinary education, Dr. Basko dedicated his career to compassionate and integrative animal care and eventually made Kauai his home. Over decades of practice, he became widely respected for combining traditional veterinary medicine with acupuncture, herbal therapies, and nutrition-based healing approaches, helping thousands of animals locally and internationally.

His Kapahi practice was known for its peaceful outdoor setting designed to keep animals calm and comfortable. In addition to clinical work, Dr. Basko educated pet owners through consultations, teaching, and his longtime radio program, “Pets and People in Paradise.” His book, Fresh Food & Ancient Wisdom, reflected his belief in nutrition and holistic care as foundations for animal health.

Known for his quiet kindness, humility, and deep attentiveness, Dr. Basko approached every animal with patience and respect. Clients and colleagues remember him not only as an exceptional veterinarian but as a mentor, teacher, and compassionate friend whose influence extended far beyond his clinic.

Dr. Ihor Basko passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, the morning after celebrating his birthday on Friday the 13th — his favorite day of the year. We are deeply grateful that he was able to spend that special day in joy before his peaceful transition.

Dr. B was more than a doctor; he was a truly kind, generous, and giving soul. Everyone who met him experienced his remarkable knowledge, his gentle compassion, and the sincere care he brought to every interaction. He did not simply practice medicine — he lived it, with heart.

His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and healed. It lives in his passion for Chinese herbs, in the comfort of his home-cooked recipes, and in the deep respect and care he showed for the human–animal bond. He taught us that healing is not just treatment, but presence, intention, and love.

Thank you for being part of his extended family and for the love you have shown him throughout the years.

With love and gratitude

Dr.Basko’s Team
Staff@drbasko.com
All Creatures Great & Small
(808) 822-4229
https://www.drbasko.com/
https://www.drbasko.com/consultations/

Pet Expo May 2-3, 2026

Dear Colleagues, Staff, and Friends,
It’s that time again when the HVMA celebrates National Pet Week (May 3-9) with the sponsorship of the Hawaii Pet Expo on May 2 and 3, 2026. The association has hosted this FREE community event for the last 34 years. This event continues to draw large crowds ( over 10,000 in the weekend) and is one of the few events that welcome the attendance of pets.

This year the HVMA booth will contain exhibits on topics such as pet myths, heat stroke, and other veterinary issues. We will once again have our snack bar and “Ask-A-Vet” area. This year we will need 5 volunteers (vets and/or staff) to effectively man the booth. We also need volunteers to man our Make-N-Take It booth, Foodbank/Info booth, Pet Snack Bar, Photo and Fundraiser booths, show marshals, and greeters.

The Hawaii Pet Expo would not have been such a success all these years, without the volunteerism of veterinarians, staff, family, and friends. Volunteers work a 2 hour shift and receive an Expo t-shirt. Lunch will be included for those who participate in the 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. shift. We can never have too many volunteers! Please sign-up and also help to promote the event by posting the Expo fliers and discussing the event with your clients. Your association delegates will also call you to remind you.

SIGN UP HERE

Sincerely,
Lissa Kam, DVM
Chairperson
Hawaii Pet Expo

JOB DESCRIPTIONS

HVMA BOOTH

  • Ask-A-Vet
  • Answer questions and encourage public to enjoy the educational displays in the booth

    GREETERS
  • Pass out programs, poop bags
  • Aid in helping attendees with strollers, wheelchairs, etc. through turnstiles
  • Smile

    FOODBANK & INFO BOOTH
  • Be able to answer questions, direct venders and public to booth area
  • Lost and found center
  • Be able to find security, expo organizers
  • Collection and packing of food donations
  • Collection of monetary donations
  • Coordinate volunteers (show where shirts are and their work areas)

    MAKE & TAKE CRAFT BOOTH
  • Help kids and adult with crafts
  • Encourage participation

    SHOW MARSHALS
  • Walk around exhibition hall and outside to clean-up spills and accidents (take poop to outside dumpster)
  • Mop areas where there has been accidents
  • Make sure exhibition hall doors are closed
  • Remind pet owners to keep dogs leashed or secured and have cats, birds and pocket pets in carriers for the safety of all pets involved
  • Assist exhibitors with removal of trash and put in outside dumpster
  • All cleaning supplies provided (poop bags, disinfectants, mops)

    SNACK BAR
  • Help pet owners create snacks for pets

    PHOTO BOOTH
  • Help public take their photos with props

    FUNDRAISER BOOTH
  • Sell fundraiser merchandise
  • Help purchasers decorate tote bags

SIGN UP HERE

72nd Annual Conference Recap

Thank you for joining us at the 72nd Annual Conference at the Sheraton Princess Ka’iulani Hotel. This was a new venue for the HVMA, but we enjoyed being back in the heart of Waikiki and seeing friends old and new.

We had a packed exhibit hall with 34 exhibitors, 2 day of labs and workshops including orthopedic surgery, pain management, and fish medicine. Our 3 days of lectures featured 4 concurrent sessions with something for everyone, including a dedicated veterinary technician track. At the Annual HVMA Hui we were visited by AVMA Past-President Sandra Faeh and District X Director Dick Sullivan. We also enjoyed a wet but delicious Dinner at the Zoo on Saturday night.  

Save the date for our 73rd Annual Conference November 12-15, 2026 at the Sheraton Princess Ka’iulani Hotel. Registration will open in the summer. In the meantime, keep at eye on our conference website for more information!

2026 HVMA Membership Renewal

The new year means it’s time to renew your membership for 2026! Why be a member of the HVMA? Your participation in local organized veterinary medicine makes our voice stronger. We actively advocate to promote Hawaii’s veterinary profession in the eyes of the public and the legislature. We support you and your staff by keeping you up to date with important news that impacts you as veterinary health professionals, maintaining online resources, coordinating local veterinary disaster response, and bringing top-notch continuing education in Hawaii. Your dues help to support all of this and more. 

Choose the automatic annual renewal option and never forget to renew your membership again! If you can’t remember whether you signed up for automatic renewals, feel free to email us to check before registering again. Automatic renewal option will be available until February 28. Your renewal date will be one year from registration.

We appreciate your participation and support!

Renew or apply today!

Meet a Board Member – Blaine Ishizu

Blaine Ishizu, DVM
New Graduate Rep

Born and raised on Oʻahu, Dr. Blaine Ishizu serves as the new graduate representative for the Hawaiʻi Veterinary Medical Association (HVMA). He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa before attending Colorado State University, where he completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2022.

Blaine currently practices mixed animal medicine at Veterinary Associates in Waimea, providing comprehensive general and emergency care for dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. He is committed to supporting Hawaiʻi Island’s pets and livestock through compassionate, community-focused veterinary care.

When he is not working, Blaine enjoys spending time with his three German Shepherds—Mana, Icee, and Anna—while exploring the Big Island. He looks forward to meeting everyone at the next conference.