The medical community, current students, and alumni of the University of Guam, as well as the rest of the island, mourn the loss of UOG’s Dr. Margaret Hattori, who passed away just yesterday.
Yesterday afternoon, the Guam Fire Department responded to a reported distressed kayak and paddle boarder call.
One of the distressed individuals required no medical services; however, the other individual required CPR on route to the Naval Hospital
The one who required transport was later identified to be Dr. Margret Hattori by one of her family members – who also notified the public of her passing through social media.
Dr. Margaret Hattori-Uchima was a registered nurse for 34 years, an educator for 23 years, and the Dean of the University of Guam School of Health. She was also recognized as the 2019 Nurse of the Year by the Guam Nurses Association and the recipient of the 2022 Public Citizen Award from the National Association of Social Workers Guam Chapter, among others.
Dr. Hattori-Uchima’s roles in leadership extend beyond the University as she was also the Vice Chairperson of the Guam Board of Nurse Examiners for 8 years and the chair of the Guam Homeless Coalition.
Dr. Hattori-Uchima held various supervisory and management positions in-home care agencies in San Diego prior to working for the University of Guam. She received her associate of science in nursing and bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Hawaii. She then earned her master of science in nursing from the University of Phoenix and her Ph.D. in Nursing from Villanova University.
The University of Guam released a statement saying, “Dr. Hattori-Uchima exemplified what it means to be a Triton and displayed true leadership in her service. She has been an advocate for improving the quality of health care in the region and has provided leadership in the study and alleviation of health disparities.”
As a fellow nurse herself, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said, “Margaret was a key strategic advisor, partner, close friend, and longtime nurse colleague…Our island owes a debt of gratitude for her lifetime of achievements in moving mountains, crossing oceans, and navigating the changing landscape of healthcare to provide our people the absolute best care possible.”
According to a statement from Speaker Therese Terlaje, “Dr. Hattori-Uchima was in a category of exceptional women of Guam, whose tireless commitment to advancing public health and welfare made a difference in so many lives, most especially our patients.”
In an interview on Newstalk K57, Robert Hoffman, Mayor of Sinajana says Dr. Hattori-Uchima has not only made a difference at the University but to the people, she has associated with.
He says, “It’s such a core loss for our group that’s really been handling this mission. It’s going to be hard shoes to fill and for the students at UOG, and everywhere else that she worked with. How do you fill that? It’s really heartbreaking to hear. I feel so grateful just to see the amount of people she’s impacted.”
One of Dr. Hattori-Uchima’s former students also said, “The UOG community is in complete shock…..The work and service she’s done for the students here and for our community throughout the years, especially during COVID … already speaks volumes of how much of a positive impact she’s made in our lives. She will be dearly missed.”
We, at the Pacific News Center and the Sorensen Media Group, would like to extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Hattori-Uchima’s husband, daughters, family, friends, colleagues, and associates.
Contact Jannette Samson | E-mail: jannette@spbguam.com | Phone: 671-689-2842
