A top American Samoan surgeon at Queen’s Hospital in Honolulu, who was nominated by Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga for the Board of the LBJ Hospital, didn’t garner enough votes to pass confirmation by the Senate.
Only 6 senators voted for Dr. Patrick Pedro while 7 voted against. Ten votes are needed for confirmation in the 18-member Senate.
The vote is by secret ballot.
Dr. Pedro was present for his confirmation hearing which was chaired by Senator Tuiagamoa Tavai, Vice Chairman of the Health Committee.
The nominee said while he has been away, he has maintained his connection with the hospital; and before the COVID pandemic, he visited periodically to do training. He said, being a member of the Board would be a starting point for him to eventually return, as it has always been his intention to return home.
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But Dr. Pedro said it was difficult to work at LBJ with its limited resources and facilities.
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Senator Faiivae Iuli said it seemed that until the Governor asked him to serve on the Board of LBJ, Dr. Pedro would have never considered returning.
The nominee said he has been the main point of contact for referral patients from the territory.
When asked why he did not his use influence to reopen access for local patients to be seen at Queens, he responded that he tried, however, the problem was LBJ’s high unpaid bills with Queens.
Now, however, with Medicaid and Medicare coverage patients from the territory are again being accepted there.
Senators Soliai Tuipine and Malaepule Saite Moliga pointed out that there are local doctors serving at LBJ, who returned home after their education and have been serving the territory.
Malaepule said it’s Dr. Pedro’s prerogative to work where he feels is beneficial for him and his family. But his commitment to help the territory is what senators should be looking at.
Senator Togiola Tulafono thanked Dr. Pedro for being present for his confirmation hearing, which indicates he doesn’t take the appointment lightly. He said, he knows Dr. Pedro is a surgeon in demand at Queens and his only concern is whether he would have the time to attend board meetings.
Dr. Pedro said that was also a big question for him. He said he may be able to attend meetings once or twice a month, but not weekly meetings. He told senators there are hardly anymore in-person meetings, as most are done through telehealth and zoom.
Committee Chairman Senator Tuiagaoa Tavai urged Dr. Pedro to consider serving his homeland and to think of his father, the late Captain Paul Pedro, who worked hard for the betterment of American Samoa.
The rejection of Dr. Pedro means Dr. Malouamaua Tuiolosega will continue his service on the board until a replacement is confirmed.
