My clinical experience is caring for patients who are critically ill as a result of cerebrovascular diseases, including ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. After starting a new academic career as a clinician investigator at the University of Hawaii and The Queen’s Medical Center, I have identified a new area of research interest: investigating racial disparities in risk factors and outcomes among stroke patients. By directly experiencing health disparities while practicing in Hawaii, I am now motivated to reduce the burden of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes in Hawaii where many minority patients may be underserved. I am currently conducting a longitudinal cohort study of intracerebral hemorrhage patients who are hospitalized at the Queen’s Medical Center, to assess the disparities in risk factors and long-term outcomes among the Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. My long-term goal is to conduct a culturally sensitive, community-based intervention study that can improve stroke-related outcomes and reduce health disparities among Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders and other underserved minorities living in Hawaii.