After 45 years of medical service, Dr. Vincent Duenas will be retiring at the end of March, according to the Guam Memorial Hospital Authority, which described him “as an outstanding individual, a remarkable doctor, and both a blessing and an inspiration to the people of Guam.”
Duenas, 73, has a long career caring for both adult inpatients and outpatients in Guam and the U.S.
He is an internal medicine doctor and currently acting administrator of Medical Services at GMHA.
“GMHA is proud to have had the privilege of working with Dr. Vincent Duenas,” the hospital said in a statement on Thursday. “He is an extraordinary physician whose commitment to his island is immeasurable. GMHA will miss his positive spirit, his incredible work ethic, and the outstanding care he has given to patients for over four decades.”
Duenas has been part of GMHA for 45 years since he first graduated from medical school.
He has held several upper-level positions, such as medical director of respiratory therapy and as employee health physician.
Duenas has also served in multiple executive roles over the years, including three times as GMHA’s associate hospital administrator of medical services.
“Until his official retirement this week, Dr. Duenas is currently the Acting Associate Hospital Administrator of Medical Services. He has worked as the Associate Hospital Administrator of Clinical Services and Associate Hospital Administrator of Professional Support Services,” GMHA said.
The hospital said Duenas has served his people faithfully and professionally as a doctor in the private sector, UOG, and at Guam’s only public hospital, GMHA.
In 2019, Duenas became the medical director at the GMHA Skilled Nursing Facility where he oversaw the care of its residents who need long term care.
20 years with National Guard
Duenas served as a member of the Guam Army National Guard for 20 years, beginning as medical officer, commander for the 838 Medical Company.
When he retired from the Guam Army National Guard, Duenas had achieved the rank of colonel.
“GMHA is honored to thank Dr. Duenas for his service to the GUANG on behalf of Guam and the U.S.,” the hospital said.
Duenas earned his medical degree in 1976 at the St. Louis School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.
He completed his internal medicine residency at Michigan State University, Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies in 1979, while simultaneously working as an internal medicine resident at Bronson and Borgess Hospital.
That same year, he became a certified diplomat with the American Board of Internal Medicine and a privileged doctor at the public hospital in his home island of Guam.
When Duenas returned to Guam in 1979, he worked at the Family Medical before moving to The Doctors Clinic for 32 years as an internal medicine staff physician.
Always looking for opportunities to serve his people, he joined the University of Guam that same year as its Student Health Center physician, where he kept the students current with their immunizations and other health requirements until 2003.
He is a member of good standing with the Guam Medical Association.
“The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority proudly recognizes Dr. Vincent Duenas, an outstanding son of Guam,” GMHA said, “and thanks him for 45 years of service to our people as an Internal Medicine Doctor and Acting Administrator of Medical Services at GMHA.”
(1) comment
You mean not like the other Dr. Vincent who is neither an inspiration nor a blessing?
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