There’s no question that Hawaii faces some major hurdles when it comes to health care. With a shortage of specialists in key fields, and a dwindling number of physicians in rural areas in particular, health care is sure to be among the top priorities in the upcoming legislative session.

Joining us live Wednesday will be Dr. Collin Dang, the new CEO of Hawaii Medical Center. Dang takes the helm at a pivotal time: the financially strapped HMC, has had three rounds of layoffs this year, trying to ease losses that led to its filing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August.

Dr. Dang, a cardiologist, will answer your question live from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday on HMC — and on Hawaii’s healthcare landscape in general. Hawaii Medical Center operates Hawaii Medical Center-East in Liliha and Hawaii Medical Center-West in Ewa. Dang was part of a group of more than 130 physicians that bought a 45 percent stake in Hawaii Medical Center two years ago.

To join the conversation, watch for the new posting that will go up at noon Wednesday and post your questions there. If you can’t make the live online session, you can e-mail me your questions in advance at jmbelding@honoluluadvertiser.com.

See you Wednesday — from noon to 1 pm. — with Hawaii Medical Center’s CEO, Dr. Collin Dang.

Tags: Hawaii Medical Center, healthcare, Mariani-Belding

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