I was interviewed by Dr. Gilcher and hired in 1982 while it was still located on 13th Street, OKC. He had two phones on his desk and during the interview he was consulting on both helping physicians with their patients and carry-on the interview with me. I thought, this man was a multi-tasking genius. He hired me and through his leadership and transfusion medicine expertise the first AABB accredited Immunohematology Reference Lab in Oklahoma was created. Dr. Gilcher was on-call 24/7 and many times consulted with physicians and laboratory technologists in the middle of the night with transfusion related problems. The Immunohematology Reference Lab worked with Oklahoma hospitals and other hospitals and blood centers throughout the United States to assist with providing Rare donor blood products to patients in need. Dr.Gilcher and OBI were known nationally for his transfusion medicine knowledge and the work from OBI’s Immunohematology Reference Lab. There are so many patient stories that Dr. Gilcher was involved by helping to provide life saving transfusion medical advice and blood products that went unrecognized, except by the physians, technologists and families he helped. Those are the silent remembrances he leaves behind and why when many think of OBI you think Dr. Gilcher. The foundation of OBI’s reputation, of caring and compassion for donors and patients and transfusion medicine consultation for physicians and technologists was established by Dr. Gilcher. Medicine first, finances second.
If you’re not the lead dog, the view never changes.
Oklahoma Strong.
The Oklahoma Standard.
Oklahoma Blood Institute, Dr. Ronald O. Gilcher.
Rest in Peace Dr. Gilcher
Thanks for the memories.
| Mark (Mic) Martin |
