To the Editor.

I was a resident of Lumberton for 26 years and was there when Dr. Dixon Gerber moved to town with his family and opened his practice of orthopedics.

Our first necessity for Dr. Gerber’s services came when my mother-in-law from Chadbourn fell and broke her hip. He operated on her and was so professional as well as caring with this aging lady — a caring that went far above the call of duty. Our next necessity for Dr. Gerber’s services was in 2001 when I had to have some knee surgery. Dr. Gerber operated in same-day surgery and the day after surgery, I developed a low-grade fever. My husband called Dr. Gerber, who came to our house to redress the wound and check on my condition. This was an act unheard of in 21st century medicine. This summer, I again found that I needed more knee surgery, and now that I live in Wilmington, I simply asked for my X-rays and came back to Lumberton to Dr. Gerber.

I was saddened to learn that Dr. Gerber has decided to retire as he will be a hard act to follow. His bedside manner is superb. His professionalism is impeccable. His knowledge of his craft is expert. The Lumberton medical community is losing a master in the field of orthopedics and I am proud and thankful to have been one of the last two surgeries he has done in his career.

Thank you, Dr. Dixon Gerber, for your years of caring for the people of Robeson County.

Pam Carroll

Wilmington