Spinal surgeon takes leave of the territory after 17 months of volunteering at LBJ Hospital

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Dr. James Gebhard and his wife Helen were honored with an appreciation luncheon last Friday hosted by LBJ Hospital administrators at the DDW Restaurant in Utulei.

Taking leave of the territory after their year and a half of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints volunteer mission at the Fagaalu Medical Center, Dr. Gebhard told Samoa News in an exclusive interview that the most challenging aspect of their 17 months here was being away from family.

The father of four with nine grandchildren is an M.D. Orthopedic and Spinal Surgeon from Colorado. He said — on the other hand — what made life wonderful here for him and his wife, was the love from the people of American Samoa — including patients.

Aside from personal challenges, what was so hard for him was having so many sick people and a lack of resources. However he brought with him many resources that were very helpful for his spinal surgeries while here and he's leaving those resources here for LBJ.

In addition, LBJ was able to purchase some equipment as well, and he highly complimented the current hospital administration for the good job they’ve done moving forward.

While here he performed a dozen spinal surgeries, 150 spinal injections for stenosis, which he explained is a nerve disease. “A lot of it is [caused] by getting older, active people put lots of stress on the spine, causing prolonged pain.”

Most people with spinal conditions are middle-age ones, although both younger and older patients also suffer from spinal problems.

One of Dr. Gabhard's patients invited to the appreciation luncheon was 48-year old Fitisemanu Ualesi, who lives in Fagatogo village, and he'd been seeing Dr. Gebhard for a year. The doctor treated his painful joints with an injection for his knees, now he is able to walk.

"I think he'd given me six injections, he also gave me an injection on my back bone, and he knows exactly where to  put the needle. Now I'm well, and able to walk around and enjoy my only child at home.“

 Dr. Gabhard says he has enjoyed taking care of patients with spine and orthopedic problems.

Lt. Gov Talauega E.V. Ale on behalf of the governor and the people of American Samoa thanked Dr. Gabhard saying, "It's been a pleasure having you here, and the service you've given to our people.

“Volunteerism is a very important part of life."

Talauega shared with a crowd of close to 100 people that his experience most of the time when he asks someone to do something, the common reply would be, how much do I get paid?

 He said this is not true of the LDS missionaries and volunteering is something we can learn from our LDS Mission friends.

“Those of you who've been helped by Dr. Gebhard ought to do the same and help each other without pay.”

LBJ Chief Executive Officer Dr. Akapusi Ledua also thanked Dr. Gebhard for his service. "We are blessed for the opportunities to have professional people who are willing to sacrifice the comfort of their homes to be here to serve our people and make a difference.

“This is the end of your mission but not your service. From now on you are part of our LBJ family and our people of American Samoa."

The Missionaries were presented with traditional gifts from the LBJ Administration staff, friends and patients.

Those in attendance included the Lt. Governor, Rev. Tuilaepa Samuelu of the CCCAS from Aunuu, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Representative Elder Vince Haleck, LBJ CEO, Acting LBJ Chief Medical Officer Dr. Maria Gayapa, Director of LBJ Human Resources Ms Rowena Reid, Ms Salu Hunkin Finau, as well as board members and patients who were seen by Dr. Gebhard during his time at LBJ Medical Center.

The Uale Uale Band provided entertainment during the luncheon.

Dr. James Gebhard and his wife Helen along with one of his patients, Mr Tuvalu Peni, 66. Mr Peni, father of six, suffers serious pain including in his knees, legs and his back. He sought help in New Zealand but from there he was told by a doctor that his spinal condition could get better or it could get worse after a surgery. He decided to return home and continue on with his treatments with Dr Garbhard, however there was a delay in his surgery due to a lack of local resources. But after listening to an overseas doctor’s opinion, he decided to give it a miss this time. Mr Peni said Dr Garbhard had ordered equipment to facilitate him with his operation locally but he’d made up his mind to sit in a wheelchair for the rest of his life, and take painkillers when needed. Peni and his wife were both at the farewell ceremony in appreciation for Dr Gebhard’s help. “He provided me with a medical report I took to NZ.”   [photo: AT]