From Dr. LenhAnh Tran

After completing my fellowship training, I was assigned to Hawai’i to help train ENT residents at Tripler Army Medical Center. At the time, I fully expected to leave the islands after four years of military service. However, the moment I arrived at Honolulu Airport, the warmth of the summer air and the familiar scent of the ocean were instantly mesmerizing. I felt an unexpected sense of home - one that reminded me deeply of where I was born and raised during my early childhood. The people of Hawai’i are welcoming, caring, generous and genuine, and I felt embraced from the very beginning.

When my military service came to an end, my family and I realized that leaving Hawai’i was no longer an option we could easily consider. Instead, we transitioned into civilian life, raised our children, built our medical practices, and - most importantly, immersed ourselves fully in the island way of life. My husband and I were fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible community of people, including our patients, who over the years profoundly shaped both our personal lives and professional growth.

I feel blessed every day to have had the privilege of caring for you. I listened to your concerns, and in turn, you listened to mine. You trusted me and encouraged me to grow - not only as a physician, but as a person. For that, I am deeply grateful.

As my husband and I look toward the future, we recognize the need to devote more time and attention to our children and extended family on the mainland. Leaving Hawai’i is incredibly difficult, and our hearts are truly torn, but this next chapter is one we must embrace. We are not going far - we are simply moving the the Ninth Island. Please be sure to stop by and say “hello” when you are in town.

This journey in Hawai’i has been extraordinary, and its impact will remain with us for a lifetime.

From Dr. Krista Schoppy

As I prepare to embark on the new chapter, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of serving as you child’s pediatric otolaryngologist. It has been an incredible honor to care for your children and to be part of their healing journey.

Hawaii has been more than just a place to practice medicine; it has been my home. I hope that I will be able to support the needs of community in some capacity moving forward. Your trust and support have meant the world to me. While I look forward to the future, I will carry with me the memories of the wonderful families I have had the pleasure to serve.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives.

Mahalo.