HONOLULU, Hawai‘i - The Senate today recognized the honorees of the 2016 Healthcare Hero award for the service they provide their patients and the community.

The Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i (HAH) identifies outstanding healthcare providers as those who demonstrate exceptional commitment and noteworthy expertise. The healthcare providers recognized as the 2016 Healthcare Heroes are Pixie Bickel, Dr. Ian Okazaki, Phung Le Ouchi, Dr. Thomas J. Kane, and Catherine Marquette.

Pixie Bickel is a radiologic mammography technician who gives her undivided attention and exceptional expertise to every one of her patients. The importance of her work in helping detect early stages of cancer is reflected through her genuine compassion and professionalism towards her patients.

Dr. Ian Okazaki graduated from John A. Burns School of Medicine as an oncologist. He works with cancer patients and their families and seeks to make the tumultuous cancer journey as stress-free as possible. Dr. Okazaki believes one of his most important role is to be a good listener.

Phung Le Ouchi is a licensed practical nurse and is currently working on her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She works at the Hi‘olani Care Center at Kahala Nui where she combines her expertise in long term care with her love for her patients.

Dr. Thomas J. Kane graduated from the University of California, Santa Clara Medical School. He currently serves as a medical director at Queen’s Medical Center. He considers being a health care provider a privilege, and he gives his full dedication to his patients in helping to restore their quality of life.

Catherine Marquette is a registered nurse and has been working at Hamakua Health Center since 1993, where she became the Medical Director in 2016. Catherine uses her heart and her expertise to provide the best care and experience possible to her patients.

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