By Jackie Hanson
As a community, as parents, as employers and as workers, we value good health and wellness. That’s why Guam Business Magazine has decided to give some long overdue recognition to the people on our island providing personalized health care experiences and contributing to the advancement of health care services available.
In this first-ever feature in Guam Business, we recognize medical and dental practitioners, entrepreneurs, administrators and volunteers as well as auxiliary health care providers and specific departments who have been nominated by a patient or colleague as a Health Care Hero.
Dr. Samir Ambrale, FHP
Dr. Samir S. Ambrale
Medical oncologist and hematologist
FHP Medical Center
Number of years in this role: Less than one
Career highlights
– Doctor of Medicine, Grant Medical College in Mumbai
– Master’s in public health, University of Alabama at Birmingham
– Residency in internal medicine, New York Medical College
– Fellowship in hematology oncology, University of Vermont
– Merit Award: Poster presentation on breast cancer prevention at the 2015 American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in Chicago
– Member, University of Hawaii Cancer Center
In what aspect of your work do you take the most pride?
“We deliver compassionate and evidence-based care for residents of Guam, close to home. We meet patients when they are very vulnerable and anxious; we guide them through the complex journey of cancer treatments and survivorship, often times making long lasting relationships that span for many years.”
Biggest accomplishment
“I have been recently confirmed as a member of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the first step in including Guam as a partner in the UHCC consortium. My goal is to develop framework for initiation of clinical trials under the umbrella of the UHCC in the next two years.”
Motto
“Treat patients as you would treat one of your family members — with compassion and respect.”
What advances would you like to see in Guam health care?
1) We need to develop interdisciplinary teams to manage complex cancers. Pathways can be developed so that patients can get timely consultations with on- or off-island specialists as needed.
2) There is a need to introduce clinical trials for prevention and treatment of cancer patients. We have been in discussions with two large cancer centers in this regard.
3) As a community, we need to improve and expand Medicaid and MIP coverage for residents of Guam. The biggest barrier to getting timely cancer treatments is access to affordable health care.
Dr. Edna Acuna, GRMC
Dr. Edna G. Acuna
Wound care specialist and hyperbaric medicine physician
Guam Regional Medical City
Career highlights
– Doctor of Medicine, Far Eastern University in Manila
– Residency and internship in anesthesia, Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas
– Launched and ran a practice in wound care and hyperbaric medicine for seven years before moving to Guam in 2012
– Surgical mission coordinator, North Texas Association of Philippine Physicians
– Board certified, American College of Hyperbaric Medicine
– Diplomate, American Board of Wound Healing
– Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International
Years of clinical health care experience: 25
In what aspect of your work do you take the most pride?
“Saving limbs from amputation. I am very fortunate to work in a field that allows me to contribute toward improving patients’ lives.”
Biggest accomplishment
“Pioneering wound care in Guam.”
Motto
“Treat patients as a whole and not just the hole in the patient.”
What advances would you like to see in Guam health care?
“Recognition of merits of proper wound care by local insurances, including Medicaid/MIP, and more availability of advanced wound care modalities of treatment.”
Dr. Michael Cruz
President and chief operating officer
Guam Regional Medical City
Medical career highlights
– Doctor of Medicine, Loma Linda University (Calif.)
– Fellow, American College of Surgeons
– Diplomate, National Board of Medical Examiners
– Previously served as the medical director and chairman of the Department of Surgery at Guam Memorial Hospital
– Senator and chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee, 28th Guam Legislature, in which capacity he authored a measure to combat childhood obesity, among other legislation
– Former colonel in the U.S. Army assigned as the state surgeon to the Guam Army National Guard
– Co-founder and president, Ayuda Foundation, which has brought millions of dollars of health care supplies and medical teams to the surrounding Micronesia region and Asia
Memberships
– Guam Medical Association
– Guam Medical Society
– American College of Healthcare Executives
Awards
– C-Change Award, presented by former President George Bush, for anti-smoking initiatives he championed as lieutenant governor of Guam from 2008 – 2011
– Distinguished Service to State Government Award in 2004, presented by the National Governor’s Association
– Surgical Volunteerism Award, 2010, presented by the American College of Surgeons
– Bronze Star Medal and Combat Medical Badge for service in Iraq and Afghanistan
Mamie C. Balajadia
Clinical psychologist
Guam Regional Community Health Centers
Bureau of Primary Care, Department of Public Health & Social Services
Number of years in this role: 32
Career highlights
– Initiated the first St. Dymphna (patron saint of mental illness and nervous disorders) Fiesta in 1982 at the Community Mental Health Center, Guam Memorial Hospital
– Assisted 17th Guam Legislature in establishing the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse by merging the Single State Agency of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Agency and the Community Mental Health Center under Guam Memorial Hospital, effective Oct. 1, 1983.
– Assisted the 19th Guam Legislature in establishing a chapter of Public Law 19-16 defining “mentally ill persons,” effective April 1988.
– Initiated the establishment of Guma San Francisco, a drop-in center for the homeless, using a grant administered by DMHSA in 1993.
In what aspect of your work do you take the most pride?
“I take pride that when I receive feedback from a patient or from his or her family that I made an impact to improve the person’s circumstance.”
Biggest accomplishment
“Protecting the public against unscrupulous individuals.”
Motto
“Honesty is the best policy.”
What advances would you like to see in Guam’s health care?
1) More state-of-the-art equipment available for physicians;
2) More specialty care available for patients;
3) More incentives to attract health professionals to Guam or to return to Guam; and
4) More emphasis on preventive care education for men to take a more assertive and responsible role in their own health care.
Adrian Bryan A. Bondoc
Registered nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Guam Regional Medical City
Number of years in this role: Nurse in Guam for five years; nurse at GRMC since November 2014
Career highlights
– Bachelor’s in nursing, 2011, University of the Assumption (Philippines)
– Worked as a registered nurse at St. Dominic’s Senior Care Home and at the Catholic Social Service Dementia Center
– Served as a psychiatric technician at the Guam Behavioral & Wellness Center
– Employee of the Quarter, March 2017
In what aspect of your work do you take the most pride?
“I am one who embraces learning, teaching and education in general. I love helping others improve themselves the same way I have been helped by my mentors and colleagues. Every day is a day of learning and an opportunity to grow.”
Biggest accomplishment
“Being a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit. It has always been my goal to work in the ICU. With the help of all the people I work with, I have grown to become confident as a nurse.”
Motto
“It’s a beautiful day to save lives.” — Derek Shepherd of “Grey’s Anatomy”
What advances would you like to see in Guam health care?
1) Graduate degree programs for nurses in Guam. This would allow undergraduates the opportunity to grow and seek higher education as a practitioner or educator in nursing, thereby increasing the number of nurses we can educate and the number of nurses to work in the various health care facilities on the island.
2) More accessibility to health care and more health care providers on island.
Marlene M. Carbullido
Nurse/community health nurse supervisor II
Department of Public Health & Social Services
Number of years in this role: 27
Career highlights
– Acting administrator of Emergency Medical Services at the Health Professional Licensing Office
– Interim executive officer, Guam Board of Nurse Examiners
In what aspect of your work do you take the most pride?
“I worked as a registered nurse for the past 27 years in different health care organizations — Public Health, clinics and hospitals — throughout the island. I offer invaluable lessons in dealing with health care providers, government health care organizations, nursing shortages and island-wide disasters.”
Biggest accomplishment
“Establishing an environment of public trust in the regulation of health care providers is the biggest accomplishment of this job. Whenever the government allows an individual to place his hands on another person, this privilege must be done with professionalism. Health care providers are held to the highest standards of practice when taking care of patients.”
Motto
“Perform due diligence in the expeditious issuance of a license to a health care provider so this person can safely and professionally take care of our loved ones.”
What advances would you like to see in Guam health care?
1) Rehabilitation center for stroke patients
2) Specialty care center for children with traumatic injuries
3) Cardiac center for patients with heart problems
4) Assisted living accommodations for the elderly and disabled
5) Community para-medicine in the villages for chronic health/homebound patients
6) Teaching hospitals for medical students and other health care providers
7) Emergency Medical Service response teams for mass casualty island-wide disasters.
Dr. William C. Hightower
Endodontist
Hightower Dental Clinic
Years in this role: 27
Career highlights
– Retired carrier pilot, U.S. Navy
– Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Iowa Dental School
– Residency in endodontics, Bethesda Dental School (Md.)
– First endodontist to set up practice in Guam in 1990
In what aspect of your work do you take the most pride?
“I do good work and try to help people, get them out of pain. I take great pride in that. I do all my root canals — unless there’s some reason I can’t finish them — I get them done in one appointment.”
“The military is a big part of this place. They like coming here and we treat them right. We speak their language because I retired from the Navy.”
Biggest accomplishment
“I wanted to make something else of myself when I was flying, so when I got back from Vietnam … I went back to school. … And then I got accepted to dental school and went back in the Navy — they recruited me back in. … I did a couple of short tours and then I put in for the residency, and they sent me on. It was hard to get, but I got it.”
Motto
“Keep goals high and always have an alternate plan.”
What advances would you like to see in Guam health care?
“I’d like to see good health care here in Guam. I don’t think we’re there yet. … I’d like to see the health care improved so that we can get things that we need.”
Dr. Hyo S. Ji
Anesthesiologist/medical director
Guam Surgicenter
Number of years in this role: 6
Career highlights
– Member, American Society of Anesthesiologists
– Board certified member, American Board of Anesthesiologists
– Member, University of Guam Board of Regents
– Instructor, Basic Life Support for the American Heart Association
– Instructor, Pediatric Advanced Life Support
– Instructor, Advanced Cardiac Life Support
In what aspect of your work do you take the most pride?
“Within my field of anesthesiology, I have a brief moment with my patients prior to the operation/procedure. I strive to convey my knowledge, skills and empathy to each patient I see. This communication allows me to bring to the patient a sense of confidence in our new relationship. I take pride in communicating with each patient well. This starts our relationship and it continues with giving the best patient care.”
Biggest accomplishment
“I try to go beyond other anesthesia providers and educate patients on their health issues — of note, smoking. Every smoker should stop.”
Motto
“‘I may have only known you for a few minutes, but I will take care of you as if I have known you my whole life.’ I was raised on Guam and my roots are here. The sense of community means so much to me. It goes beyond the family. I believe that we, as a community, stand by each other in times of need. And when patients come to our establishment, we need to convey to them we are up to the task to provide them the best care they will get anywhere in the world, as if they were family.”
What advances would you like to see in Guam health care?
“Difficulties arise because the vendors feel that the distance is too far to send materials or representatives or they charge exorbitant amounts for shipping costs. It would be nice to see a balance in the amount reimbursed — to match the rising costs to provide the best care to patients on Guam.”
Health Care Hero – Volunteer
Lourdes Q. Lujan
Volunteer cashier scheduler, operation manager and safety officer
Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association
Number of years in this role: More than 15 years
Career highlights
– Retired from U.S. Naval Hospital
– Lifetime member, Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association
In what aspect of your work do you take the most pride?
“Seeing the result of the hard work of the association through the donations made that benefit the patients and staff of Guam Memorial Hospital, such as recliners/sleepers, chillers and refrigerators for the lab, patient transport vans and many more.”
Biggest accomplishment
“Being nominated as Volunteer of the Year in 2006 and most recently being awarded as a Lifetime Member of GMHVA for more than 15 years of service and more than 10,000 volunteer service hours.”
Motto
“It’s gotta be done.”
What advances would you like to see in Guam’s health care profession?
“More up-to-date equipment.”
Dr. Thomas Shieh
Obstetrician and gynecologist
Dr. Shieh’s Clinic & Associates
Number of years in this role: 20 years in Guam
Career highlights
– 2014 Small Business Person of the Year
– Outstanding Contribution to Underserved International Communities Award from the International Service by the American College of OB-GYNs
– President and Co-Founder of the Guam Medical Association
– Former chief of gynecology at U.S. Naval Hospital
In what aspect of your work do you take the most pride?
“I take pride in providing my personal cell phone to all of my patients. … Others may think that’s crazy, but this is my commitment to my patients. If there is an emergency, I want to be there for them. Often, they will save a trip to the ER, too.”
Biggest accomplishment
“Advancing women’s health from Hawaii to Guam for 20-plus years. [My practice has achieved] lots of firsts for women’s health on Guam. We continue to lead the way in outpatient surgical procedures and enhanced our early detection of fetal birth defects in our office with Dr. Greigh Hirata, our maternal fetal medicine specialist. We have saved many babies over the years and have saved many lives in obstetrics and gynecological patients. We are also very proud of our early detection of gynecological cancers with advances in office and outpatient surgeries to excise pre-cancerous and early cancerous lesions.”
Motto
“Patients first, always think of ways to advance women’s health from Hawaii to Guam and always take good care of your employees.”
What advances would you like to see in Guam health care?
1) Increase in access to care but ensuring there is enough funding for the indigent population to gain care. With limited funds for public health, they cannot be paying outrageous amounts for care; there has to be some even distribution or they will be denying access because rather than being able to pay for the care of 10,000, they will only be able to pay for the care of 2,000. I would like to see Guam’s hospitals ensure fairness and not charge patients enormous amounts for a night’s stay because it will drain the system financially.”
2) Advances in more genetic screening. We have to increase our level of awareness of early disease detection because we are not at a “molecular level.” A lot of disease, such as breast and ovarian cancer, can be detected at the molecular level, and Guam has to rise up to that. This also includes genetic diseases affecting children.
Dr. Lilybeth C. Sistoza
Internal medicine
FHP Clinic
Number of years in this role: 5
Career highlights
“As a medical resident, I worked in the inner city of Chicago caring for the marginalized and low-income group. Moving here to the island of Guam and being able to rise up with all the challenges in health care, technology and human interaction is such a huge leap to my professional life. But being of service to the people of Guam is not just a highlight of my career but is also a personal fulfillment.”
In what aspect of your work do you take the most pride?
“It is a privilege for me to serve. I do believe that healing is mainly a collaboration between the patient and the creator. To effectively assist in this effort — to be a good doctor, one must first strive to be a good person. I am happy to be able to continuously work at becoming that good person.”
Biggest accomplishment
“The simple feat of turning worried frowns into smiles of relief and the knowledge that someone came to you and you were made better — by a touch, a kind word, a listening ear — I count as success.”
Motto
“Twenty years ago, when I was fresh out of residency, a nurse I worked with introduced me to the Doctor’s Prayer. It asks for wisdom to see problems with blessed discernment so that the physician may become God’s hands. I have uttered this prayer every day since.”
What advances would you like to see in Guam’s health care profession?
“I would like to see more specialists working here on island. By having more resources available, our community will be better served. Patients would not have to travel off-island to get the care they need.”
Photo by GRMC Multi-Media Specialist Joel Dela Cruz
Health Care Hero – Department
Wound Care Department
Guam Regional Medical City
Led by wound care specialist and hyperbaric medicine physician Edna G. Acuna, the Wound Care Department at Guam Regional Medical City is the only health care facility or hospital in Guam that provides hyperbaric treatment for wound care. The department has two single-occupancy hyperbaric chambers, which provide 100% oxygen under pressure, allowing the patients’ blood to be enriched with pure oxygen and speed the healing process. The chambers are used almost exclusively for diabetic wound care, though they have also been used on a few occasions for diving accidents. Within four months of the chambers coming into service in 2015, some 25 island residents had completed the program. The department of 10 staff sees around 30 patients per day, many of whom are repeat patients undergoing daily treatments.
(Back row from left) Leyurika Cruz, licensed practical nurse; Tasha Salas; Eve Paulino, both specialty clinic representatives; Leandra Vasquez, registered nurse; Joey Gutierrez, hyperbaric technician; Therese Santos, specialty clinic representative; and Nhoriel Reyes, licensed practical nurse. (Front row from left) Fe Ayers, clinic operations manager; Dr. Edna G. Acuna; and Gus Sablan, program director.
Dr. Michele Yamamoto
Infectious disease physician
Guam Regional Medical City
Number of years in this role: 1
Career highlights
– Residency, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island
– Doctor of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas in Manila
– Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine
– Clinical fellowship in infectious diseases and immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School
– Helping to establish the Infectious Disease Department at GRMC
In what aspect of your work do you take the most pride?
“Moving to Guam has given me and my husband the opportunity to be able to practice the art and science of medicine beyond the confines of the hospital and our clinic space. To be able to be a part of a growing community and be of service to its members is one aspect of my work I take most pride in.”
Biggest accomplishments
“… establishing a department coming off fellowship training can be overwhelming, but I am fortunate that I have the full support of both the Infectious Disease Department at University of Massachusetts and GRMC with each endeavor we take on.”
“One of my mentors at the University of Massachusetts was very active in the care of ebola patients in South Africa. My fellowship program has provided me with diverse training in the different aspects of infectious disease. As a bonus, I was able to do some research in sepsis and publish papers related to the management and treatment of multi drug-resistant organisms.”
Motto
“Treat each patient as if they were members of your own family.”
What advances would you like to see in Guam health care?
“More than calling it health care advances, I would like to think of it as the ability to meet the necessity of being able to provide more subspecialty care to our people here in Guam so that the people can have access to care without the need to fly off-island.”
