by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Governor Eddie Calvo has submitted all of his nominations for the Guam Board of Medical Examiners. In addition to the controversial nomination of oncologist Dr. Sam Friedman and medical examiner Dr. Aurelio Espinola, the chief executive has nominated current GBME chairperson Dr. Joan Gill, Dr. Kia Rahmani, and Dr. Johnny Lim.

On Friday the governor sent letters to the current board members, thanking them for their service and ending their appointments, which had already expired. The terminations were at the request of Healthcare Committee Chair Senator Dennis Rodriguez, Jr., who wanted clarification on who sat on the board.

Governor Calvo says he made the choices he did to get a diverse cross section of the medical community. "With that diversity an objective of improving the quality of healthcare on our island. And ensuring that the decisions that they make in the end it's to provide better patient care in ensuring that the types of physicians that do practice on Guam will do that not only to their benefit but also to the people of Guam," he said.

The governor has stood by his nomination of Dr. Friedman, who was highly criticized by the medical community for comments made during his confirmation hearing of the quality of care coming from the Guam Memorial Hospital.