First Posted: 3/20/2015
My question is how in good conscious can the management of St. Rita’s terminate a top quality physician, as in Dr. Henry Gerad, with no blemishes on his record in 30 years of practicing in the Lima area?
Dr. Henry Gerad came to Lima in 1985 and in Jan. 1986 included JTDM Hospital, St. Marys and also Van Wert Hospital in his outreach. St. Marys is where I worked as a registered nurse. Later, I passed the National Certification in Oncology Nursing.
Oncology is a field that is constantly changing; requiring a great deal of studying and education to stay current. It is a never-ending process for the physicians and nurses who work in this field.
It was shocking to discover St. Rita’s canceled Dr. Gerad’s contract and he was let go. He is dedicated to his profession and he gave as much time to each patient as each needed for their care; physically and emotionally.
Patients that need an oncologist to treat their cancer are in a life and death situation. Their medical care is not treated short term. Cancer patients may need years of treatment, observation and follow ups. The trust between physician and patient is strong and long term. The attitude of, well, just see another oncologist, just doesn’t get it.
Having to now deal with ovarian cancer myself, I am stressed even more to know the oncology physician I’ve seen help so many over 30 years, and is now helping me, has been removed from being the provider for my care!
St. Rita’s do you really think you are placing the patients first?
— Marcia Bowman, R.N., St. Marys
