A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Childhood Immunization Champion Award has been given to Lee Buenconsejo-Lum of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM). She is among 28 immunization advocates across the country chosen for outstanding efforts to promote immunization.
The Association of Immunization Managers hosts the annual award, and selects one winner from participating states, territories and the District of Columbia.
Buenconsejo-Lum, who is the associate dean for academic affairs and director of graduate medical education at JABSOM, is recognized for her work to increase HPV vaccine uptake and promote the continuation of Hepatitis B birth dose vaccinations.
“Dr. Lee Buenconsejo-Lum and her other team members have worked hard in the establishment of island-specific Comprehensive Cancer Control plans for the U.S. Associated Pacific Islands. The work she has put forth to engage, provide guidance and serve as a mentor has been so important for the island’s hard work in this area,” stated officials from the Hawaiʻi Immunization Coalition.
Buenconsejo-Lum has also been heavily involved in the university and state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She served as a consultant to the Hawaiʻi Departments of Health and Education to provide information on COVID-19 vaccination, volunteered as co-chair for the COVID-19 Vaccination Medical Advisory group in Hawaiʻi, and co-led the establishment of a COVID-19 vaccination POD (point of dispensing) at the UH Mānoa campus to allow students working in healthcare facilities get vaccinated as part of their coursework, among other numerous efforts.
She was recently honored with the 2021 “Women Who Mean Business” Award from Pacific Business News and the 2022 Willard Wilson Award for Distinguished Service from the UH Board of Regents.
