FAMILY PLACED OBITUARY

KAM SUNG TOM, M.D.

Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary, LLC

KAM SUNG TOM, M.D. - Physician and Author


Kam Sung Tom, M.D. passed away of natural causes on July 3, 2010. He was born on December 9,1915, to Tom Young and Tom Au Mew-Ngan. He was the eldest son and one of ten children. He graduated from St. Louis College in 1932 and earned degrees from the University of Hawaii in 1937 and Loyola University School of Medicine in 1939. He received his residency training in obstetrics and gynecology in Chicago at Cook County and the University of Illinois Research and Educational Hospitals. After finishing training in 1944, he volunteered and served with the US Seventh Army in Europe.

He returned to Honolulu to start his medical practice in 1946. He was the first Asian-American certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the first formally trained obstetrician and gynecologist to practice in Hawaii. In 1949 he married Marjorie Chun-Hoon, and together they raised four sons. They both loved entertaining, and their guests included military personnel, politicians, visiting physicians, students, and family and friends. He enjoyed golf at the Waialae Country Club.

He was an Emeritus Professor at the University of Hawaii Schools of Medicine, served as a consultant for Tripler US Army Hospital, and was a member of numerous civic and professional organizations. Among his many achievements was the establishment of a residency program in OB-GYN at Kapiolani Medical Center, being elected President of the Honolulu County Medical Association, being recipient of the Stritch Medal from Loyola University School of Medicine, and being honored as the 2001 Model Chinese Father of the Year.

Perhaps his greatest achievement, and the one for which he may be most remembered, was being author of the book, "Echoes from Old China". With the publication of the book, which was recommended reading at at least one prestigious university, he fulfilled a life long dream of passing on and keeping alive the traditions and culture of China.

He is survived by four sons, Lawrence, Douglas, Allen, and Curtis; seven grandchildren; one brother, William; and two sisters, Gladys Chun and Helen Yee.

Services were private. Donations suggested to Hawaii Chinese History Center; Kapiolani Health Foundation, OB-GYN Residency Program; Palolo Chinese Home; and University of Hawaii Foundation, OB-GYN Residence Research Day #125-2720-4 - In memory of Dr. Kam Sung Tom.

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased

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