More Than a Successful Surgery: A GBMC Patient’s Story of Care and Kindness

Eric Morris sought care at GBMC after living for nearly a year with an umbilical hernia that had become increasingly painful and disruptive to his daily life. He turned to his primary care provider, Amy Luebehusen, CRNP, at GBMC Health Partners Primary Care – Padonia, for help. After examining the hernia, Amy recommended that Eric schedule a surgical consultation with Dr. Joel Turner of GBMC’s Finney Trimble Surgical Associates.

Eric appreciated how easy it was to make the appointment. Dr. Turner confirmed the hernia and thoroughly explained the diagnosis and treatment plan. Laparoscopic repair surgery was scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on November 25, 2025. Eric immediately felt confident in Dr. Turner’s expertise and approach.

On the day of surgery, Eric was accompanied by his 80-year-old mother. Check-in and the pre-operative process went smoothly, though his surgery was delayed until 1:30 p.m. due to complications in a case ahead of him. Even with the delay, Eric describes the environment as calm, efficient, and reassuring.

Eric’s interactions with the nursing staff were a highlight of his experience. As an educator, he was pleased to allow a student nurse to place his IV—he did so flawlessly on the first attempt, reflecting the strong teaching culture at GBMC.

What stood out most to Eric was that GBMC’s care extended far beyond the “open and close” medical procedure. Throughout the day, the staff demonstrated a level of compassion that made a lasting impression. When his mother became hungry and unsure of where to go, anesthesiologist Dr. Farid Amin personally walked her to the cafeteria and even purchased her lunch. Later, another pre-op staff member escorted her back so she wouldn’t have to navigate the hospital alone. And at the end of the day, a GBMC team member walked Eric and his mother all the way to the parking garage. For Eric, these meaningful gestures showed that GBMC cares not only about the surgery itself, but about the people and families behind every patient.

The laparoscopic hernia repair was completed successfully, and Eric’s recovery in the post-op unit was smooth and well managed. He expressed great appreciation for the entire operating room team and their professionalism, kindness, and communication throughout the day.

Eric describes his experience at GBMC as excellent from start to finish. The combination of clinical expertise, compassionate care, and thoughtful personal touches made a difficult health situation far easier. He is now pain-free, back to his normal activities, and deeply grateful for the care he received.