Episode 3 - Sean Tiwanak on Medicine, Music, and Bringing Aloha to Patient Care

This episode of White Coats and Rice features Sean Tiwanak, a former respiratory therapist, heart transplant survivor, and musician from Honolulu, Hawaii. In celebration of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Sean reflects on his journey from caring for patients to experiencing severe heart failure and transplantation himself. He shares how his background in respiratory therapy and cardiopulmonary medicine helped him recognize the seriousness of his condition and navigate life as a patient. Sean also discusses healthcare barriers facing Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, the importance of listening to patients, and the role of empathy and human connection in medicine. The episode highlights how compassion, resilience, and “bringing aloha” can shape the way future healthcare professionals care for others. Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/apamsa-podcast FOLLOW APAMSA Website: https://www.apamsa.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalapamsa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalapamsa Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nationalapamsa Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalapamsa This episode was produced by Herbie Villaflores, hosted by Herbie Villaflores, and graphic by Romi Sheng.