Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center, Akapusi Ledua, M.D., will be the Keynote Speaker at the 61st ASCC Commencement Ceremony on Friday, December 12th, at 10 a.m. in the College's Gymnasium. (Courtesy Photo)
Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center, Akapusi Ledua, M.D., will be the Keynote Speaker at the 61st ASCC Commencement Ceremony on Friday, December 12th, at 10 a.m. in the College's Gymnasium. (Courtesy Photo)
LBJ M.D. Ledua to Speak at 61st ASCC Commencement
November 28, 2014
By James Kneubuhl, ASCC Press Officer
On Friday, December 12th, the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) will hold its 61st Commencement Ceremony at 10 a.m. in the College Gymnasium. The ASCC Division of Student Services places this semester’s tally of perspective graduates at 144, with the final count depending on examination results. Hon. Gov. Lolo Moliga has been invited to provide Special Remarks. Other honored guests will include Rev. Dr. Leanavaotaua Sekuini Seva’aetasi, Chairman of the Board of Higher Education, and Rev. Kalepo Vaitautolo, ASG Financial Aid Board Chairman. Very Rev. Monsignor Father Viane Etuale-V.G. will give the opening Invocation and closing Benediction.
The College strives to make each Commencement a memorable one by inviting a distinguished community to deliver the Keynote Address. This semester’s keynote speaker has taken the concept of “lifelong learning” very much to heart. Having earned a long list of credentials and certifications in addition to serving as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center, Akapusi Ledua, M.D. continues to pursue his own education by working towards both a Masters degree in Medical Management as well as Certification as a Certified Physician Executive for the American College of Physician Executive (ACPE).
Born in Fiji, Dr. Ledua’s wide range of education has included training in his homeland, New Zealand and Australia. His earliest professional experience dates back to the 1990s while serving in the Fiji Military, where he rose to the rank of Major. While serving at the Fiji Military Hospital in Suva, eventually as Chief Medical Officer and Commanding Officer, he concurrently spent a year as Senior Medical Officer of the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) Hospital in Qana, Lebanon from 1994 to 1995. Dr. Ledua spent the second half of the 1990s as a civilian Orthopedist in several Fiji Hospitals before starting work at LBJ in 2003. Since then, in addition to overseeing his department he has also served in administrative capacities including Vice Chief of Staff between 2010 and 2012, Acting Chief Executive Officer on several occasions, and Chief Medical Officer from 2012 to 2013.
In both Fiji and American Samoa, as Dr. Ledua’s career progressed, he has continued to pursue additional experience, credentials and certifications, including becoming an International Affiliate Member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons in 2011. He has given numerous academic presentations, and continues to attend professional courses and meetings within his field. Currently an International Member of ACPE, he is currently working on becoming a Certified Physician within that organization, while also pursuing his Masters in Medial Management.
“Dr. Ledua’s long and distinguished record of accomplishments stands out as a shining example of someone committed to continual growth as a professional and as an individual,” said ASCC Dean of Student Services Dr. Emilia Le’i. “We very much look forward to him sharing his views on life in general and learning in particular as our keynote speaker.”
For more information on the ASCC Commencement, contact the Division of Student Services at 699-9155, extension 376.