It was 1976. Mark M. Mugiishi, M.D., F.A.C.S., was a bright-eyed junior at Iolani School who set his sights on becoming a doctor. In the years that followed, he would become a respected surgeon, Iolani School’s winningest boys basketball coach, and CEO of HMSA. He was also an associate producer of the Broadway musical Allegiance, which told a family’s story of Japanese American internment during World War II.
As HMSA continues its journey as a health organization with 87 years of serving the people of Hawaii, Dr. Mugiishi is proud of the road he’s traveled and is optimistic about improving the health of Hawaii.
Local roots head east
Dr. Mugiishi grew up in Kaneohe and Honolulu. His father was an insurance agent and his mother taught at Maemae Elementary School in Nuuanu. After graduating from Iolani School in 1977, Dr. Mugiishi attended Northwestern University in Chicago, where he earned his medical degree through a fast-track honors program for medical education.
Dr. Mugiishi and his parents at his graduation from Northwestern University. Photo courtesy Dr. Mark Mugiishi
After six frigid Chicago winters, Dr. Mugiishi applied to four residency programs, mostly in California, and was fortuitously matched at home in Hawaii.
Basketball days
Between medical school and residency, Dr. Mugiishi began coaching basketball at Iolani School. He coached the first girls team in the school’s history and later became the boys basketball coach. While he didn’t play basketball in high school himself, Dr. Mugiishi had a passion for sports and a vision for coaching.
“My philosophy was to create a classroom of learning that focused on how to be a part of a community and embrace the common good above your own individual aspirations,” he shares.
From 1989 to 2009, Dr. Mugiishi led the Iolani School boys’ basketball team to amazing heights, with seven state championships and 11 Interscholastic League of Honolulu championships.
Dr. Mugiishi in his coaching days. Photo courtesy Dr. Mark Mugiishi
Doc to CEO
In 1989, Dr. Mugiishi started practicing surgery in private practice and later, in association with the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. He co-founded the Endoscopy Institute of Hawaii and the Eye Surgery Center of Hawaii. In 2015, he joined the HMSA leadership team as executive vice president, chief medical officer, and chief health officer.
Dr. Mugiishi became the president and CEO of HMSA in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues in his role as CEO. He led the organization in providing COVID-19-related relief and support to members, employers, providers, and communities, which helped to mitigate some of the financial impacts and support access to care during a critical time.
Photo credit Rae Huo
Soon after, HMSA announced its partnership to administer the TRICARE West Region contract for the Department of Defense. With the addition of TRICARE, the uniformed services health care program, HMSA is proud to provide access to care for nearly one million people in the state.
Dr. Mugiishi’s colleagues have emphasized his balanced and measured leadership approach.
“Dr. Mugiishi navigates challenges with grace and fortitude, which will continue to benefit HMSA and its stakeholders in the years to come,” says Janna Nakagawa, HMSA’s recently retired chief administrative and strategy officer.
Looking ahead
As health plans locally and nationally face financial challenges and policy changes related to Medicare and QUEST (Medicaid), Dr. Mugiishi is focused on keeping quality, affordable, and accessible care at the core of everything HMSA strives for.
“Despite the challenges we face, we must not ration our ambition. We’ll solve many of the significant problems we face in health care and build a more resilient Hawaii for our families, friends, and neighbors,” Dr. Mugiishi says.
One thing is certain: Dr. Mugiishi is ready to bring his A-game to the opportunities and challenges ahead.
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