Dr. Raymond Giberson, a retired TAMC surgeon, and his wife, Bea, recently donated funds to The Aroostook Medical Center for the purchase of SimMan, an advanced medical training mannequin that breathes, talks, and has a heartbeat and pulse. The lifelike mannequin realistically simulates many different treatment situations that might be faced by doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other medical workers.
Dr. Giberson has a long history of practicing medicine in Presque Isle. He joined Presque Isle General Hospital in 1954 as a general practitioner. He left Presque Isle in 1956 to continue his medical training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, but returned to Aroostook County to practice surgery after graduating. Dr. Giberson practiced full-time at A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital until his retirement in 1982, and he remained on the hospital's active medical staff and provided coverage in the emergency department until 1989. The Gibersons still live in Presque Isle but spend winters in Arizona.
The Gibersons have supported many projects at A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital and The Aroostook Medical Center over the years. The hospital's original day surgery center was named in recognition of Dr. Giberson's years of service and many contributions to the organization. The hospital's new day surgery center, which opened in 2004, also bears his name.
"I've known him for 42 years," said Dr. Paul Hamlin, a retired urologist who practiced in Presque Isle for 31 years. "He has been a great supporter of the hospital. He was here when they opened up A.R. Gould. He was a hard worker and was always upbeat."
Dr. Giberson became interested in SimMan the first time he saw it. "I live in Arizona in the winter, and there's a branch of the Mayo Clinic there," said Dr. Giberson. I went to a conference there about a year ago, and they had this. It was very much taken up by the crowd. I thought right then that it would be a really great thing for us to have here in Presque Isle."
SimMan can talk and makes real heart, lung, and bowel sounds. The mannequin can also have a heart attack and simulate other real-life medical problems. Using an attached computer, the trainer can make SimMan perform different healthcare scenarios that mimic real crisis situations.
"I envision it being used for training, particularly for emergency room physicians or any doctor who wants to upgrade their training," added Dr. Giberson. SimMan will also be used to train nurses, paramedics, and other medical personnel.
"Many different training resources are available to our staff and others in the County, but having SimMan makes an even higher level of training possible," explained Dave Peterson, President & CEO of The Aroostook Medical Center. "Dr. Giberson's significant gift opens up many different opportunities that otherwise would not have been possible."
Last fall, Educational Services staff at The Aroostook Medical Center began to explore how SimMan can enhance the organization's training programs. An educator from the organization will travel to New York in March for more extensive training.
"This contribution is just another example of how Dr. Giberson has supported healthcare in our communities for so many years," added Peterson. "His contribution will benefit healthcare workers and patients for years to come."
The AroostookMedicalCenter is a member of EMHS. Members of EMHS bring unique qualities, skills, and resources to other EMHS members, helping the whole become stronger. |
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