Members of the LDS missionary group that’s volunteering at the LBJ Hospital, orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James Gebhard and his wife Sr. Helen, were farewelled at a gathering at DDW today.
They leave at the end of an 18-month mission at the local hospital.
From April 2022 to this month, Dr. Gebhard has seen 4,006 patients, performed 119 spinal injections and conducted 10 major spinal operations. All at LBJ Hospital. These operations couldn’t have been done at LBJ, if he hadn’t been here.
Acting Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale, the chairmen of the Senate and House Health Committees, Senator Tuiasina Dr. Salamo Laumoli and Rep. Manumaua Wayne Wilson, joined the board, management and staff of the LBJ Hospital at the farewell for the Gebhards. A few patients of Dr. Gebhard, some on wheel chairs also turned out to say tofa and faafetai to the good doctor and Sr. Helen.
Elder Vince Haleck, who initiated the LDS volunteer program which has enabled retiring US physicians to come and work at the LBJ for 18-months and even longer, was also present with Sr. Peggy Haleck.
Elder Haleck said the LDS church has agreed to continue the program and he expressed thanks to the Gebhards and to the hospital, government, and the people for their support.
Play Audiovince-gebhard
CEO of LBJ Hospital Dr. Akapusi Ledua said Dr. Gebhard had answered God’s call to come and help American Samoa.
Play Audioledua-gebherd
Acting Governor Talauega said he hopes that the volunteering spirit of Dr. Gebhard and the other LDS doctors will be emulated by our people.
Gifts were presented to Dr. Gebhard and Sr. Helen, as well as a plaque commemorating their service to the hospital and people of American Samoa.
