LDS Physician Mission at LBJ Hospital praised for its local medical care service

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — As of now, over 12,000 residents have received medical care that they would have otherwise had to seek off-island, thanks to the LDS Physician Mission at LBJ Hospital. Hospital Chief Executive Officer Scott Anesi shared these insights during a farewell luncheon for Elder Dr. Robert Blotter and Sister Tami Blotter, members of the LDS Mission. 

Anesi noted that the partnership between the mission and LBJ Hospital was made possible by the instrumental efforts of Elder Vincent Haleck and his wife, Sister Peggy Haleck. “They played a crucial role in brokering the arrangements that brought the mission to American Samoa in 2018,” he stated.

Currently, the hospital is staffed with a wide array of medical professionals, including general practitioners across various departments. However, Anesi noted that one of the hospital’s most significant needs is for specialty care services. In 2018, the then-CEO, Faumuina John Faumuina, reached out to Elder Hale and the presidency in New Zealand regarding the urgent necessity for these services.

The government of American Samoa (ASG) and LBJ Hospital were spending substantial amounts of money sending patients off-island for treatments that could be provided locally if specialty care were available. Elder Haleck was essential in recruiting retired physicians and in partnering with the LDS Physician Mission to establish those services. Consequently, LBJ Hospital performed its first total knee replacement in 2019. 

“Since then, from 2019 to 2024, our orthopedic services have treated 9,678 residents of American Samoa. Additionally, our cardiologist specialist, Dr. Melvin, has attended to 2,222 cases that would have required offshore referrals. In the OBGYN department, Dr. T has treated 781 patients, while our radiologists, Dr. Patch and Dr. Walker, have seen over 450 patients.”

“This data indicates that over 12,000 residents have received care that they would have otherwise sought off-island. The impact of the LDS Physician Mission on LBJ Hospital and the people of American Samoa is substantial. While these numbers can be quantified, the real benefits — including improved quality of care and quality of life for our residents—are immeasurable. This serves as a clear example of how a faith-based organization, deeply rooted in Christianity, has addressed the healthcare gaps in American Samoa.

“Both LBJ Hospital and the American Samoa government are profoundly grateful to these missions. The people affected wish to extend their sincere thanks.” He said that Dr. Blotter exemplifies this gratitude, as he has generously extended his stay and provided numerous support services. His contributions have empowered local physicians and surgeons to perform procedures that they were previously unable to.

Dr. Salu Hunkin at the ceremony spoke about the history of the program and highlighted the senior members of the LDS Medical Mission. She noted that in 2023, five senior couples were called as medical missionaries to join the LBJ medical team in response to the critical medical needs of American Samoa.

The couples included Dr. Eric Carter and Sister Allison Carter; Dr. Walker and Sister Kelly Walker; Dr. Gabard and Sister Gabard; Dr. Kettington; and Dr. Edward and Sister Edward. Dr. Hunkin emphasized that the medical missionaries volunteer their time out of a desire to serve the Lord and help people around the world with medical issues, all free of charge. 

Dr Hunkin also used the opportunity to raise awareness of obesity in the territory. She stated that the obesity data has a direct impact on American Samoa globally. 

"Culturally, we come from a background where eating well is valued, and being hefty is often seen as a sign of good health, even while working on the farm. When I heard this, it wasn’t surprising to me, as I’ve read that the two most obese populations in the world are from Samoa and Tonga.

"However, we must recognize that our eating habits and lifestyle are actually harming our people. To address this issue, we need to revisit our village organizations, women’s groups, and church communities and engage everyone in the conversation. "It can’t just be the responsibility of medical missionaries and the dedicated staff at LBJ and the clinics,” said Dr Hunkin.