Galen Beery Legacy Exhibit

Sam Thong Hospital

Sam Thong Hospital, also known as San Sook Hospital, was an essential medical refuge during the Secret War in Laos, providing critical healthcare services under the shadow of conflict.

Historical and Geopolitical Context

The hospital was a humble structure with a tin roof, thatched walls, and wooden floors, which played a pivotal role in the local community, particularly during the war that disrupted Laos' socio-political and healthcare systems. Despite its modest appearance, the hospital was a critical healthcare center, staffed by local Hmong and Lao Theung girls who, under the guidance of American nurses like Diana Dick (USAID) and Brenda Peters (IVS), donned US-style medical uniforms and provided essential services to the war-stricken population, especially the Hmong community (Hillmer, 2006b; Ahern, 2006).

Hospital Operations and Services

Operating with limited resources, the hospital provided a wide array of services including general health checkups and surgeries for war-related injuries. It was pivotal in public health outreach, preventive medicine, and the education of local healthcare workers, extending its impact beyond direct medical care (Benson, 2016). During periods of heavy conflict, the hospital's operations were extensive; it had around 100 beds but sometimes served up to 140 patients a day. The medical staff, including a general surgeon, faced a continuous stream of various injuries, many from the war. The high volume of patients often led to the hospital's veranda being used as an extra treatment area with the increased demand for medical services (Hillmer, 2006b).

Staff Contributions and Specialties

The hospital's sustained operation was the result of commitment of various individuals and organizations. Among the notable figures were Edgar "Pop" Buell, instrumental in the hospital's establishment, and Dr. Weldon and his wife, Pat McCreedy. Dr. Weldon, head of all public health initiatives, and Pat McCreedy, leader of the village health program. Dr. McCreedy provided extensive support for the village health program, traveling and contributing to healthcare delivery in various capacities that were pivotal in both the medical and community outreach efforts (Hillmer, 2006b).

References:

Ahern, T. L. (2006). Under Cover Armies: History of CIA and Surrogate Warfare, 1946-1989. Retrieved from https://nsarchive2.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB284/6-UNDERCOVER_ARMIES.pdf

Benson, F. (2016). IVS Volunteers in Rural Laos, 1956-1969. International Voluntary Services Reunion 2016. Knoxville, Tennessee.

Hillmer, P. (2006b). Interview with Steve Schofield. Hmong Oral History Project. 21. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/hmong-studies_hohp/21