First Posted: 3/12/2015
St. Rita’s Medical Center has done a great disservice to the Lima area community by dismissing Dr. Henry Gerad.
Dr. Gerad is an outstanding oncologist with a national reputation. For example, a local person went to the University of Michigan medical center at Ann Arbor after receiving his diagnosis of cancer. After the examination, the doctor there said, “You do not need to come here; you have one of the best oncologists in the country right there in Lima, Dr. Gerad.” Other people I know have heard the same comment from doctors at other hospitals in Columbus, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati.
In addition to his medical expertise, Dr. Gerad has compassion. He cares about his patients and will work with them in whatever way they need. He offers comfort. He gives his time; his patients are never rushed. Knowing that your doctor cares about you and is there for you means a great deal to a person suffering from a frightening disease. (I speak from personal experience.)
He also often helps financially, in many different ways. Just one example: One patient was unable to pay what their insurance did not cover for a last round of necessary medication. Dr. Gerad saw that the patient received the medication.
Dr. Gerad is a significant contributor to this community, and he deserves much better treatment than he has been given by St. Rita’s. The way St. Rita’s Medical Center has treated Dr. Gerad, and now his abrupt dismissal, reveal that the bottom line on the ledger is much more important to them than the health of the people in this area.
— Teresa Barnes, Lima
