A panel will discuss the physician shortage in Windward O'ahu and possible solutions to the problem at a free public forum at 5:30 p.m. today at Castle Medical Center Auditorium, 640 'Ulukahiki St.

The panelists include Dr. Linda Rasmussen, legislative co-chairwoman of the Hawai'i Medical Association; Kevin Roberts, president and CEO of Castle Medical Center; and Texas attorney Donald Wilcox, vice president and general counsel to the Texas Medical Association.

Wilcox will provide an overview of the Texas model of medical liability reform that reduced medical insurance premiums for Texas physicians, attracting more of them to the state.

For more information on the forum or liability reform legislation, call HMA at 536-7702, toll free 888-536-2792 or visit www.hmaonline.net.