Dr. Elna Masuda: A Career Defined by Compassion, Resilience and Leadership
Dr. Elna Masuda’s journey into vascular surgery is rooted in resilience, discipline and a deep sense of purpose shaped by her upbringing in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Growing up in a rural community surrounded by pineapple fields, she spent her summers working alongside her siblings, learning early the value of hard work. Life in a modest two-bedroom home with her two sisters further instilled adaptability and patience—qualities that would later define her surgical career.
Her parents’ histories left a profound imprint on her worldview. Her father survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, and her mother, in her youth, cared for victims of the Hiroshima bombing. Their strength and determination to build a life for their family became a lasting example, inspiring Dr. Masuda to approach challenges with perseverance and resolve.
Dr. Masuda discovered her calling in vascular surgery during medical school at UCLA, where she was drawn to the specialty’s unique ability to save both limbs and lives. This interest deepened during her general surgery residency at the University of Hawaii under the mentorship of Dr. Robert Kistner and Dr. Bo Eklof. Their guidance extended beyond technical skills, emphasizing that surgical excellence must be paired with kindness and respect, principles that continue to guide her practice today.
Her academic work has largely focused on venous disease, while her clinical practice spans a broad range of arterial interventions, including TEVAR, EVAR, limb salvage and fistula procedures. This balance reflects both her intellectual curiosity and her commitment to comprehensive patient care.
Throughout her career, Dr. Masuda has remained grounded in three guiding principles. She emphasizes perseverance, recognizing that while medicine offers deeply rewarding moments, it also demands the courage to face and learn from failure. She champions kindness, reminding others that empathy must endure even in the most demanding phases of a medical career. And above all, she prioritizes patients—advocating for clear communication and the inclusion of families as partners in the care journey.
The SVS has played a pivotal role in shaping her professional path, fostering collaboration and lifelong learning. Inspired by its impact, Dr. Masuda helped establish the Hawaii Vascular Society to bring similar opportunities to her local community. She remains a strong advocate for strengthening professional societies, particularly in supporting AAPI providers and advancing health equity.
Through her work, mentorship and leadership, Dr. Masuda exemplifies a career defined not only by surgical skill, but by compassion, community and an enduring commitment to improving patient outcomes.
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Dr. Elna M Masuda is a Vascular Surgery Specialist at Straub Benioff Medical Center, Hawaii Pacific Health.