Shekeeb Sufian (Photo courtesy of Hilo Medical Center)

Special to Hawaii 24/7 by Elena Cabatu | Hilo Medical Center Community Relations Manager

Hilo Medical Center (HMC) bids a fond farewell to general and vascular surgeon Dr. Shekeeb Sufian after covering the community’s general surgical needs since 2007. While at Hilo Surgical Associates, a HMC-affiliated clinic, Sufian was involved in 1,262 general surgical procedures.

“I have enjoyed coming to Hilo for one to two month stretches to cover the community’s surgical needs while Dr. Pierce and Dr. Hudak take much needed vacations so they don’t get burned out,” Sufian said. “It’s challenging work here, at the same time, nice to work with these excellent surgeons and spend time in this lovely community.”

He added: “During my time here, I’ve witness the Emergency Department improve significantly. With the hospital implementing the Electronic Medical Records, I feel a lot of things are improving. I also know there is a lot more that can be done to get people to remain in Hilo for care that is available.”

“Hilo Medical Center and Hilo Surgical Associates have been fortunate to have Dr. Sufian and his expertise,” said Howard N. Ainsely, East Hawaii Regional CEO of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation. “We wish him the very best in the next step of his accomplished career, providing care where it is needed most.”

“Dr. Sufian is an outstanding technician, a compassionate physician, and a person of great integrity,” said Dr. Joshua Pierce of the Hilo Surgical Associates. “He is everything a surgeon should be. I am truly greatful for his years of service here in Hilo.

Sufian career spans nearly 40 years. He received his medical school training in Ethiopia 1963-1968. In 1971, he continued his training and began his career in the United States at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, where he eventually became assistant professor in the Department of Surgery.

From 1980-1992, Sufian taught the art of surgery in Camden and Stratford, N.J. From 1985-1991, he was the president and founder of Sufian & Doherty Surgical Associates in Voohees, N.J. From 1992-1995, he opened up a private general and vascular surgery practice in Andrews, N.C.

Later in 1995, Sufian established another private practice along the Appalacian Trail in Clyde, N.C. In 2005, he moved settled in Florida and into part-time retirement before coming to Hawaii to fill the community need.

Hilo Surgical Associates is currently staffed by Dr. Joshua Pierce and Dr. Daniel Hudak. Dr. James Johnson has been brought on temporarily until full-time, hospital-employed Dr. Isidro Amigo is arrives in the fall. He brings over 26 years of experience general surgery in Ohio such as, endoscopies, gynecologic, thoracic, bariatric and advanced laparoscopic surgeries.

For an appointment, call Hilo Surgical Associates at 961-0655.