Erlinda Cachola, M.D.
Author: YWCA
April 22, 2009
Erlinda M. Cachola, M.D.
Cachola Medical Clinic
Forty years ago, Erlinda M. Cachola came to Hawaii from the Philippines with a savings of just $500. She took babysitting and odd jobs to make ends meet while awaiting acceptance into a residency program. She is now a medical doctor and entrepreneur and has been running her own medical clinic for the last 30 years.
Erlinda was the first female president of the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii. She started the Kalihi Community Health Fair 25 years ago, which today still provides free medical testing and education to the community.
An active volunteer, she teaches public speaking at a community middle school and hosts volunteer opportunities for students interested in medical careers.
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She’s someone not just dedicated; busy taking care of her patients. Even involved in some community and leadership development programs.
As a friend, she had helped me realized that all the potential lies within the person and all we need are encouragement tools to tap any dream in life. With that in mind, no wonder, that leads her to step up to the leadership opportunities as well.
Really professional and successful in her own simple ways . Truly, strengthened my perception …” Thank you for keeping yourself an everyday Woman’s A leader Too!”” I’ll raise my hands and vote for that!
Comment by Rose Ramos — April 29, 2009 @ 8:46 am
Ever since I have known Dr. Cachola, she has not stop extending her hand to those you need them. She got a big heart, a pleasing personality with a deep wit. She has come a long way and I am very proud of her accomplishments. Thank you very much. Dr. Cachola
Comment by Henry Brodett — April 29, 2009 @ 8:54 am
I had worked with her in some fundraising community projects. She do just what everybody does to keep the show, sacrifice her own time and do her best as always. Very lucky to worked with her! Hope you have more time to share, truly your support comes from the heart!
Comment by Jojo Soyangco — April 29, 2009 @ 4:41 pm
Dr. Cachola is a generous person, not only on material things, but also her service to the community, especially to those less fortunate ones.
Comment by Emerita U. Reyes — April 30, 2009 @ 6:05 pm
Dr. Cachola’s community leadership and deep compassion has touched us all. Thank you for being an awesome role model for the young ladies and those aspiring in the medical profession, Dr. Cachola.
Comment by Sally Kam — May 1, 2009 @ 12:12 am
I know Dr. Cachola for so many years, she is a very good employer, she takes care of me and my whole family. She is a good leader for the commnunity. Thank you for being good and kind to all of us. Keep it up Dr. C. Congratulations.
Comment by Florence Paredes — May 1, 2009 @ 5:02 pm
In the short time, I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Cachola, I have observed her to be a compassionate and truly charismatic leader who elicits maximum support from those she leads.
Comment by Ed Takeya — May 4, 2009 @ 6:02 pm
Dr. Cachola volunteers much of her time helping immigrants, the poor and others who cannot help themselves.
She really has a compassionate heart and is a very giving person.
Comment by Dennis Galolo — May 5, 2009 @ 10:29 am
Dr. Cachola has an enormous & loving heart. Her committment in helping and educating not only lays in her community but extends to friends and especially family. I am honored to be part of her family. Keep up the good work Tita Linda!
Comment by Melinda Kuroki — May 8, 2009 @ 6:33 am
Our family and the entire community that you so unselfishly serve are blessed by your dedication and commitment to improving the welfare of those less fortunate. As an inspirational leader and awesome role model, you are so deserving of this honor! Congratulations and God bless YOU for being such a blessing to others!
Comment by Zee Oshiro — May 11, 2009 @ 9:26 am
Dr. Cachola is an excellent physician and highly respected within her field. However, her most outstanding attribute is her kind heart and generous ways to her community and to those close to her. I am honored to know her within her profession but also, more importantly, as her friend.
Comment by Derek Tengan — May 15, 2009 @ 4:19 pm
Dr. Cachola is a great leader. She shows commitment and dedication not only to her family, but also to the community. I look up to her as an awesome role model.
Comment by Joey Estioco — May 18, 2009 @ 8:49 pm
Congratulations Dr. Cachola as one of the 10 women as being outstanding, inspiring and exceptional leaders in Hawaii by the YWCA. You are a truly inspiring person with a great personality, a compassionate heart and a wonderful smile. I salute you for your accomplishments.
CONGRATULATIONS! God Bless and Take Care Always. =)
Comment by Allan Ulep — May 21, 2009 @ 10:19 am
Dr. Cachola is the epitome of a community based leader that uplifts and positively touches the lives of everyone she comes in contact with. For the past 25 years, she has hosted multiple community health fairs that provide gratis healthcare to those individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford such treatment. Dr. Cachola is a thought-leader amongst her colleagues, an empathetic medical caregiver to her patients, and the consummate professional in all of her dealings. This is an accolade well deserved, and long overdue. Congratulations Dr. C.
Comment by Derrick Wong — May 31, 2009 @ 6:47 pm
What can a daughter say about her mother other than, I love you, Mom! You make me proud, and I am blessed to have been raised by such an awesome woman (along with dad, too, of course!). Your dedication to your profession, your commitment to your family, and your desire to serve others has provided me with a strong base to build my entire life upon. You deserve this nomination, Mom, more than anyone I have ever known. You’re an inspiration, not just to me, but to any woman — to any person — and a testimony that service is it’s own reward.
From humble beginnings, from a war-torn nation, from the love between a guerilla fighter who traded his life for his wife’s when she was taken as a prisoner of war, a young girl’s steel was tested. Raised by her school teacher mother, she continued to excel, and graduated high school as Valedictorian before going on to medical school, falling in love, starting a family, and immigrating to Hawaii to complete her residency and pursue the dream of a better life for her children. Through hard work, determination, and faith in God, a leader emerged — one who never forgot her roots, and who gave me the wings to fly.
Congratulations, Mom. Minamahal kita!
Comment by Lyla Prather — June 2, 2009 @ 3:44 pm
Dr. Cachola has done so much for immigrants, the underinsured and uninsured to make sure that they receive health care. Through a free annual health fair, she along with other healthcare providers give screenings and tests. She is selfless and always giving.
Comment by Ruth Baker — June 2, 2009 @ 4:12 pm
Dr. Cachola is my mother, and am very proud of her and happy that she is being recognized for her many contributions over the years. I have fond memories of playing in her office and going with her to do her hospital visits to her patients. But only now realize how much work she was putting in. She would work a full day in the office, paper work till the evening, then finally hospital rounds usually till 9 or 10 and finally dinner. She has a big heart and I am grateful that I have a mother such as her. I know I can always turn to her for advice and support.
Love always and Congratulations again!
Comment by Earl Cachola — June 4, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
I have known Dr. Cachola for over eight years and I don’t know of a more giving individual. She provides excellent and free medical care to newly arrived immigrants that don’t have medical insurance until they get on their feet. She is also a great asset to her community such as providing yearly health fairs that are well attended by hundreds of community members. Congratulations Dr. Cachola for a well deserved award!!
Comment by John Siw — June 4, 2009 @ 5:02 pm
I’m proud of you, Tita Linda. You are a great role model and a true inspiration.
Comment by Marc Miguel — June 8, 2009 @ 3:22 pm
Congratulations Dr. Cachola for this very, well deserved award and recognition! With your health fairs and medical missions, you have given so much of
yourself to help others in need. Your dedication to your family, community and patients are truly an inspiration!
Comment by Carol Akiona — June 10, 2009 @ 12:05 am
Knowning the accomplishment of Dr. Erlinda Cachola, and having knowledge of her good accomplishments in running a clinic which is helping many people, and contributing much to the community, I am giving my heartfelt congratulations to her for making it as one of the top 10 Awardees of the YWCA. May the Lord give her more health, and ability to continue to help the masses. Aloha and Mabuhay to you, Dr. Erlinda!
Comment by Victor Arreola, I. E.D. — June 10, 2009 @ 11:23 am
Dr. Cachola - always an inspiration to me. I have known her for (gulp) more than 30 years, and I remember being motivated by her presence as a community leader, a doctor and a woman! She did everything! I witnessed aerobics and exercise for the first time by being around and watching her! I am certain that her shining example had a significant effect on my own journey! Thank you! Auntie Linda, congratulations!
Comment by Karen Elizaga — June 10, 2009 @ 1:18 pm
We are just so privileged to have Linda as a friend and physician. I’ve known Dr. Cachola for the past 25 years and her ability to maintain a very successful practice and still able to give back to the community is remarkable. She truly exemplifies the true attributes of a great leader and we are very proud of her. She continues to inspire people to this day including many of us. Congratulations Linda and more power to you and your family. Thank you for everything that you do. Love - Stephen, Angeli & Stephanie
Comment by Stepphen & Angeli Callo — June 11, 2009 @ 1:54 pm
I have had the wonderful honor of knowing Dr. Cachola for over 20 years. She is an extremely passionate physician who truly loves what she does best: helping others tirelessly and giving back from the heart. She is a GIVER in the purest sense of the word and so deserving of this recognition. Dr. Cachola, you continue to inspire me with your dedication and selfless work for the benefit of others. Mahalo and Congratulations! Love, Pam Tsuzaki
Comment by Pam Tsuzaki — June 11, 2009 @ 10:52 pm
Congratulations to Dr. Cachola! This is such a well deserved award. She has always tirelessly served the community, is a great leader and is an inspiration to all of us. She has such a good heart and her willingness to help other people is so genuine and touching. She is a true role model for all of us.
Comment by Christina Lai — June 11, 2009 @ 11:19 pm
My congratulations to Dr Erlinda Cachola who exemplifies outstanding medical care to her patients and is truly a community mentor and leader.
Comment by Liz Meisels — June 14, 2009 @ 7:37 pm
Dear Dr. Cachola, I just wanted to say congratulations to you. While I don’t know you personally, I am honored to be in your company. As a fellow honoree, I am proud to stand with you as an honoree. Signe Godfrey
Comment by Signe A Godfrey — June 14, 2009 @ 8:00 pm
Congratulations, Dr. Cachola!! This is a recognition that is very well-deserved. You are an amazing woman, a successful woman, in every sense - a beloved wife, mother, & grandmother; a successful medical doctor; and an inspirational community leader. Even though I acknowledge your many activities and achievements, I’d also like to share one thing that has shown me a glimpse of your heart. I will always remember the beaming smile and the contagious enthusiasm you exude everytime you talk about your yearly health fair. It really shows how much you care and how much you enjoy helping others. Thank you for all you do, Dr. Cachola!!
Comment by Nahn Chung — June 15, 2009 @ 10:29 pm
Congratulations Dr. Cachola! We, The Cachola Family are so proud of you…My Family and I, are so proud of you as our Family Physician and as a Great Leader in our Community. You do so much for the Community and do so much for your patients, your family and as well as the people of Hawaii, esp. in the Filipino Community. You are an amazing woman and a true leader! We call you the know it all, you know everything and everyone on this island.
We appreciate you for all you do and thank you so much for being there for all of us and for being there always in the Filipino Community!! More Power to you and Keep On Smilin’! Mabuhay ka Ate……. We all Love You! God Bless!!!
Comment by Anita Manzano — June 16, 2009 @ 12:30 pm
Who doesn’t know Dr. Erlinda Cachola? In fact, she’s more popular than her famous politician better half. It was in March of 1991, when I first met her, not as the well known humanitarian and physician but as a public apeaker. She helped charter the only filipino Toastmasters Club in Hawaii (Maharlika Toastmasters Club). In less than a year, representing MTC, she won the District speech contest bestowing honor to all of us. Felicidades Senora Erlinda Cachola,DTM !
Comment by Maria Jo Farina — June 17, 2009 @ 10:25 am
The Cachola name is synonymous with leadership and service. It is only fitting that Dr. Cachola is given this very deserving honor. She has given so much to her community. With the talents that God has blessed her with, she in turn has blessed all of us. Congratulations, Dr. Cachola and thank you from all of us who benefit from your generosity!
Comment by Leonard Kam — June 17, 2009 @ 6:22 pm
Congratulations Dr. Cachola! You’ve touched so many lives as a dedicated physician and has provided a countless number of Community Service Projects that has helped so many families over the years. You are a great example of Leadership, one that others should strive to be more like everyday!
Comment by Rick Wong — June 17, 2009 @ 6:36 pm
Dr. Cachola is well-deserving of this special honor! There are not many people like her left in this world. I have known Dr. Cachola for almost 7 years and through the years she has shown an undying commitment to the community of Kalihi. She has a smile that is infectious and a can do attitude that is inspirational to every life she touches. She is beautiful, inside and out. Dr. Cachola is a loving leader and a true living treasure!
Comment by Gwenn Daley — June 18, 2009 @ 9:31 pm
When I think of Dr. Cachola, Proverbs 31:10-31 immediately comes to mind. She is a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Physician, and Friend of Noble Character who can find? Thank you Dr. Cachola.
Comment by Harry Kobayashi — June 18, 2009 @ 11:10 pm
Dr. Cachola is not only dedicated physician to her patients that visit her in her clinic, but to her community. She offers valued services through her continuous community service and health fairs. She is well deserving of this honor. Congratulations, Dr. Cachola.
Comment by Renee Osato-Kawasaki — June 19, 2009 @ 5:34 am
Dr. Cachola is an outstanding example of what a leader in our medical community is all about. Since knowing her for about 10 years, she has proven that perseverence, hard work, a commitment to one’s beliefs can make many positive things happen and definitely touch many lives to make a difference! CONGRATULATIONS, Dr. Cachola! You are truly an inspiration!
Comment by Juliet Sadama-Uemura,MPH — June 19, 2009 @ 8:02 am
WOW!! Very inpsiring and truly an honor!! Congratulations, Dr. Cachola!! All due to your complete SELFLESSNESS…simply awesome!
I truly believe that your passion for living life to the fullest and giving to others unconditionally has culminated in the essence of all the rewards in your life. Some of those rewards include your beautiful & loving family, the medical clinic & medical missions, the dedication to the annual health fair and your kindness to all walks of life. This award is just another stamp of the many great things that you have done throughout your life. Hats off to you!
As Deepak Chopra recently said, “as life unfolds, you can only represent your truth…”, and Dr. Cachola, there is no one better at being true to herself than you!!
Many congratulations to a wonderful, caring and truly amazing human being! I am proud to say that you have touched my life.
Me ke aloha pumehana!
Comment by Jason E. Kauhane — June 19, 2009 @ 10:55 am
Dr. Cachola. Congratulations on being recognized by the YWCA as a leader in our community. Your kindness, generosity, and compassion for those in your practice and the community is what sets you apart from the rest. The positive impact that you have on the lives of others is truly a rare and precious gift.
Comment by Craig Sunada — July 1, 2009 @ 11:16 pm
Dr. Cachola symbolizes the “Spirit of Service”. Her determination coupled with compassion has inspired others to aid in the development of our community. A leader and a caregiver, she has demonstrated strength in character by mentoring and encourage people to look beyond the possibilities and to achieve the impossible. Dr. Cachola’s should be recognized for her accomplishments and celebrated for all the lives that she has had a positive impact on. Congratulations!
Comment by Renee Leong — July 2, 2009 @ 12:23 am
I am so lucky to have the opportunity to know and interact with Dr. Cachola. She is an inspiration to all with her positive outlook and her willing to always help others. I congratulate those that have taken notice to all of her achievements!
Comment by Shari Saiki — July 2, 2009 @ 4:12 pm