SaguaMPG clinic to close February 2025
In a series of social media posts, Sagua Mañagu and Marianas Physicians Group confirmed it is permanently closing its doors as its founder, Dr. Annie Bordallo, is set to retire early next year.
In a message to SaguaMPG patients and the community, the clinic noted that Bordallo would retire in March 2025, after more than 30 years of serving the island as an obstetrician and gynecologist.
"As the longest-practicing female ob-gyn on the island, Dr. Bordallo has touched the lives of thousands of women and their families throughout her remarkable career," the clinic said on its social media posts.
With Bordallo retiring, SaguaMPG will close.
"Our last day of operations will be Feb. 28, 2025," the clinic said.
Her retirement stresses an already fragile women's health care system battling a chronic shortage of OB-GYN professionals on Guam.
Dr. Thomas Shieh, a local OB-GYN, put things into perspective.
"Guam Memorial Hospital (Authority) has three OB-GYN hospitalists. We have one part-time OB-GYN in the community, and two family practice providers, one midwife and one OB-GYN in (the) clinic but she does not do surgeries or deliver babies. I guess I am the only board-certified OB-GYN who is currently in private practice, providing care in clinic and at the hospital for surgeries and for deliveries," Shieh said.
GMHA spokesperson Cindy Hanson said, "Although Dr. Bordallo is preparing for her well-deserved retirement, she continues to take calls for deliveries at GMHA and occasionally covers shifts when needed. Dr. Jonathon Sidell, who retired recently, also continues to cover shifts to help support our (labor and delivery ward) while GMHA recruits for new OB-GYNs. GMHA is currently interviewing two excellent candidates for OB-GYNs who will come on board in 2025. In the interim, we feel comfortable that Drs. (Jennifer) Linden and (William Vercio) will be able to handle the (labor and delivery) with the support of Drs. Bordallo and Sidell."
The shortage is exacerbated by an aging population of practicing OB-GYNs with others nearing or at retirement age.
"For me, I have always done what I can for women in Guam. Remember, I am just a little younger than Dr. Bordallo, and we have known each other for decades. I congratulate her on her well-deserved retirement. She has done a lot for women in Guam," Shieh said. "For me, I am still in my prime, but I also need time off to ensure that I see my wife, my daughters and my grandchildren. I am lucky, I suppose. I had my kids when I was in my early 20s, in college and in medical school. Guam is a special very place for me. Over my last 28 years here, we have made great advances for women's health here at Shieh Clinic, ... and I will continue to do my best for my established patients."
According to Post files, Dr. Hoa Nguyen reported in 2022 that the average age of OB-GYN doctors on the island was 65, which means retirement is near for many in the limited pool of local OB-GYNs.
Shieh, although not retiring, decided to focus on his existing patients.
"I am not accepting new patients, except by special referrals and indications. These are very rare exceptions. I have a waiting list still but would refer them to other providers in the community who are able to provide prenatal care and delivery as needed," Shieh said.
While the shortage remains, in July, the Guam Board of Medical Examiners approved the relicensure of Dr. Sylvia Cruz, who currently works as Todu Guam Foundation's board-certified OB-GYN, adding her to the roster of OB-GYNs on the island.
