"AGH has been part of my life from the beginning! Dr. W. C. Thomas delivered me and, according to family lore, he was eating a tuna fish sandwich and smoking his cigar at the same time! Definitely a long time ago... Our first child, Katherine, was born at AGH I worked for Shands HealthCare after it acquired this community hospital [in 1996]. I’ve seen AGH from several perspectives, and I have the greatest admiration for the AGH people who have served this community so well. [After the November transitions of staff and services] care will continue to be outstanding " Marilyn Tubb former Shands HealthCare Community Affairs vice president, Gainesville
	Alachua County Hospital opened in 1928 with 58 beds, two operating rooms, a nursing staff of 25 and a medical staff of 12. At that time, hospital rates were $2.50 a day ($4.50 for private rooms) and major surgical procedures cost about $15.

"AGH has been part of my life from the beginning! Dr. W. C. Thomas delivered me and, according to family lore, he was eating a tuna fish sandwich and smoking his cigar at the same time! Definitely a long time ago... Our first child, Katherine, was born at AGH I worked for Shands HealthCare after it acquired this community hospital [in 1996]. I’ve seen AGH from several perspectives, and I have the greatest admiration for the AGH people who have served this community so well. [After the November transitions of staff and services] care will continue to be outstanding "

Marilyn Tubb
former Shands HealthCare Community Affairs vice president, Gainesville

"I started working at AGH in 1975 while I was in nursing school. Not only did I learn how to be a nurse at AGH, I learned what it means to BE a nurse. I met my first husband and had my two children at AGH. One of my children was cared for in the AGH Intensive Care Unit. Loved ones have died at AGH, friendships have been made that have lasted for those 34 years and still counting, and my two girls have also learned how to be nurses at AGH "

Ellen Fesmire, CRNFA
former Shands AGH nurse, Alachua

"My first memory at AGH was an appendectomy at age 9. Many memories will remain with me, the most recent ones being the passing of both parents. What a blessing the staff was during those dark days. AGH will live on in the stories and memories of all of us whose lives have been touched by this grand old place. Rest in peace, old girl, you’ve earned a permanent place in the hearts of all who have entered your hallowed halls You deserve a rest!" Rose Fulcher, Shands at UF Food & Nutrition Services dietetic tech, Gainesville

With their cheerful, pastel uniforms and a belief that the women of Alachua County could "promote goodwill and render service for the county hospital," the Alachua General Hospital Auxiliary began their lasting tradition of service and commitment in 1953.

"AGH was where I practically lived from 1960 until my retirement in 1983. We were a county-owned hospital, and we never turned anyone away no matter who it was — black, white or green. I never had a patient who had a hard time getting into the hospital. Everyone was able to get care… It was a very friendly place — a big family "

Edward Kissam, MD,
the first orthopaedic surgeon in Gainesville, who worked at Shands AGH during segregation

"I was a nurse at Shands at AGH and was especially proud to work in one of only 52 hospitals in the country listed as a Planetree hospital and the only Planetree hospital in the state of Florida. When a patient would comment to me how all the staff seemed so caring and helpful, I would proudly tell them about what it meant to be a Planetree™ hospital. It meant looking at the whole person and treating them mind, body and spirit. I worked on the oncology floor, and so I wanted each patient to feel special and loved. The patient’s family was also very much included in this Planetree plan of care, and they, too, appreciated the difference seen at Shands at AGH We all thank the many people that helped make it the great hospital that it was. " Gloria Parker, RN, OCN, Shands at UF Women’s Health nurse specialist, Gainesville
	The now co-ed volunteer group has been a significant partner at the hospital ever since. Auxilians' many contributions to the hospital include opening its coffee and gift shops; establishing the Volunteen program; bringing television sets to patient rooms; and furnishing and renovating several units during the hospital's growth.

"Alachua General Hospital is a living spirit. It’s our neighbor and our friend. We connect with it the joy of a newborn child and the sorrow of a loved one passing. We think of it with thankfulness for the friends and family who have been healed within its doors It is there It is always there."

Jess F. Davis
(written in a Forward to "Proud of our Past, Proud of our Future: the story of Alachua General Hospital," by Frank Rathburn), Gainesville

"I was born at AGH, and it’s the only place I have ever worked. It is hard to know where to begin after 31 years of memories. I have had the privilege of working with excellent people who have always treated each other as family. The compassion and caring exhibited here daily is just one thing that makes me so proud to be a member of our AGH family."

Patti Osteen,
Shands Interventional Rehab Clinic clinical coordinator, High Springs

"My siblings and I were all born at AGH, so were two of my three children. I was also an AGH employee. Four years ago, a nurse came to work on 5 East. We became best friends and later realized we were crazy about each other and fell madly in love. We have been married two years and are still crazy about each other. Great things happened for me at AGH!"

Laurel Shelton,
former Shands AGH Unit 5 East clerk and Shands at UF Hematology/Oncology Unit clerk, Gainesville

"I began my career at Shands AGH 29 years ago. The experience led to me choosing healthcare as a lifelong occupation. I have great respect and
appreciation for the AGH family and will always feel I belong to that special group. My experiences at AGH taught me about service and compassion, it was a wonderful place to grow and learn. I believe that the things that help inspire and guide your work stay with you and you can apply them wherever you are to make a difference I feel lucky to have had that AGH experience and to keep it with me throughout the years.

Janet Christie,
Shands HealthCare senior vice president of Human Resources

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Congratulations to Shands at the University of Florida for earning top-50 rankings in 7 specialties in the 2011-2012 edition of America’s Best Hospitals, published by U.S.News & World Report.

Learn more.