Celebrating a 50-year medical career

The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) recently honored Dr. G. David Gibson of La Mesa for his 50-year medical career in the East County Region. Gibson has worked in the field of medicine since 1967.

Gibson was presented with a plaque of appreciation from GHD board members. He was joined at the Nov. 17 GHD board meeting by wife Susan, son Brad Gibson and daughter Rebecca Stewart, along with granddaughters Scarlett, 10, and Ainsley, 7.

GHD board president Michael Emerson acknowledged Gibson with gratitude. “Thanks for your dedication to maintaining and improving patient care and your commitment to improving healthcare excellence, all while meeting the healthcare needs of families in the East County.”

“I’m very grateful for this recognition,” said Gibson. “It’s been a wonderful career of taking care of patients. Grossmont Hospital and the East County have been a wonderful home for me.”

Raised in Grand Prairie, Tex., Gibson decided in high school to pursue a career in medicine. “I thought it would be a rewarding career and offer a wide variety of different experiences every day, and I was right,” said Gibson.

Following his graduation from the University of Texas Medical School, service in Vietnam as a U.S. Army field combat surgeon, and a six-month stint on Pitcairn Island as the island’s doctor, Gibson opened his family practice in San Diego in 1972, and served at both Grossmont Hospital and Alvarado Hospital as a general practitioner.

At Grossmont Hospital, he served as Chief of the Family Practice Department, Chair of the Quality Assurance Department and Chief of Medical Staff. He also served on a committee to develop a self-funded health insurance plan called the Grossmont Hospital Health Plan. For decades, he served patients from his family practice office at 8871 Garfield St., La Mesa.

GHD’s recognition of Dr. Gibson has drawn praise from friends and colleagues. “Dr. Gibson is a great doctor and spot on with his assessments,” said Dr. Glenn D’Arpa. “His patients and fellow physicians will miss his meaningful contributions with his retirement.”

“I worked for Dr. Gibson for over 30 years and he was the most thorough and thoughtful physician,” said Sally Waller, nurse. “He was always interested in the total care of the patient.”

It has been a pleasure working with Dr. Gibson over the past 30 years,” said Dr. Paul Kater. “He has always given his patients the highest quality care and he can look back on a career that has positively impacted many people’s lives.”

“Dr Gibson was a kind, compassionate and thorough physician who provided excellent care to his patients for all those years,” said Dr. Ron Goldberg.

“Dr. Gibson has long been well regarded by his fellow physicians and patients for his consistency, judgment, medical acumen and steady hand on the helm,” said Dr. John Lake.