Kapolei Physician Wins National Honor

By JAIMIE KIM

Dr. Toby Smith, an on-site physician at Ka Punawai Ola in Kapolei, has received the Physician of the Year Award for Life Care Centers of America’s Mountain States Division.

The national award was presented at a ceremony Oct. 21 as part of the annual physicians’ symposium held at Life Care Centers of America’s headquarters in Cleveland, Tenn.

“In only his first year here, Dr. Toby Smith has become an integral part of the Ka Punawai Ola team,” stated Fred Horwitz, senior executive director at the facility. “He always makes himself available to residents, families and associates, and he’s also been a physician mentor to the nursing department.”

As part of his job, Smith trains associates at the facility. He also gives back to the community, sharing his experiences at local functions that deal with the elderly.

According to Life Care president Beecher Hunter, “Physicians play a pivotal role in the care of our residents … We are proud to honor those who stand out in their commitment and their compassion to ensure the health and well-being of those entrusted to them.”

Located at 575 Farrington Hwy., Ka Punawai Ola has 120 beds and is one of four nursing and rehabilitation centers in Hawaii that are managed or operated by Life Care Centers of America.

Life Care was founded in 1976 and operates or manages over 220 nursing, post-acute and Alzheimer’s disease centers in 28 states across the country.