Built on Aloha
Growing up on a coffee farm in Kona, Hawai'i, Dr. Leon Matsuo dreamed of becoming a physician. As a young boy, he was greatly impacted by the care and compassion his family physician had shown them and was inspired to do the same for others when he grew up. Working alongside his father and brother doing carpentry and house painting instilled in him the value of hard work, attention to detail, and doing a job well done, qualities that helped him keep focused towards fulfilling his dream and prepared him for his work today.
Through her upbringing in a family with generations of fishermen in Kona, Dr. Jodi Leslie Matsuo appreciated being out in nature. In helping with the family business, working outdoors, and living simply, she starting contemplating and recognizing the importance of using natural means to maintain good health - healthy food, daily activity, and time outdoors . Her desire to teach others these lifestyle practices was her instinctive calling.
As Drs. Matsuo and Leslie Matsuo grew academically then professionally, they never forgot their humble beginnings and the values taught to them - aloha (love), lokomaika'i (selflessness), 'ohana (family), and aloha ke Akua. These values fueled their drive to help others, especially as they witnessed the health challenges experienced in their families and their community over the years. Learning the disproportionate burden of disease that existed among the Native Hawaiians and drawing from their life experiences, they understood the need for culturally-compassionate medical care that encompassed healing of the body, mind, and spirit to restore lōkahi - balance - in people's lives.
The Kukui Lifestyle Medicine clinic is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream of Drs. Matsuo and Leslie Matsuo, to provide comprehensive health care for all individuals and families in the community. They desired to establish a practice where they could incorporate aloha in all they do and share that aloha with others. A practice that provides culturally-compassionate care. A practice that understands the integral connection between physical, mental, and spiritual health. A practice that recognizes the power of healthy lifestyle habits in bringing about positive health change. A practice that empowers patients to take charge of their health, teaching the skills and providing the support needed to promote lasting change.
A practice that helps you realize that abundant health and happiness can be experienced by all.
