MEDIA RELEASE

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Doug Hiller, who left the Big Island two years ago due to the overwhelming challenges of running a medical practice in West Hawaii, is returning to Waimea to join North Hawaii Community Hospital (NHCH).

Hiller’s return comes in response to NHCH’s new physician recruitment program in which the hospital employs physicians to enable them to focus on patient care rather than the business of running a medical practice.

Hiller, who reluctantly left his local practice of 20 years in 2008, is perhaps best known for having served as Chief Physician for the Ironman World Championships and Chief Medical Officer for the Olympic Triathlon.

Upon his departure from the Big Island, he expressed deep regrets about leaving behind his patients and friends saying that he would consider moving back if conditions changed.

For the past two years he has been running Hiller Orthopedics in Lander, Wyo.

“I’m delighted be back home! I really missed Hawaii and our people here. It is a great relief to me that NHCH has created an environment where I and other physicians can afford to offer first class medical care to all of our residents. I’m looking forward to working once again with our outstanding Hospital, OR and Medical Staff,” Hiller said.

With Hiller on board and the recent arrival of orthopedic surgeon Dr. Diane Payne, NHCH offers world-class orthopedic care and will continue to develop a center of excellence in orthopedics.

In most cases Hawaii residents will no longer have to go off island for treatment – Hiller specializes in foot and ankle care, sports medicine and fracture care, while Payne specializes in hand and microsvascular surgery.

Both physicians provide general orthopedic care.

“We are absolutely thrilled to play a role in bringing Dr. Hiller back to the Big Island through our new physician group model,” said CEO Ken Wood. “We knew that something had to change to make it possible for the top doctors to come to the Big Island and stay on island. We are leading that change.”

Hiller opens his practice May 11, 2011 at Lucy Henriques Medical Center, 67-1123 Mamalahoa Hwy., Kamuela. Call (808) 881-4638 for appointments.

— Find out more:
www.nhch.com