Doctor seeks help to find valuable possessions

By Sapeer Mayron 27 August 2018, 12:00AM

Two visiting surgeons have claimed that some of their prized possessions have been stolen in just over 24 hours – among them a laptop holding over 20 years of medical records.

Doctors David Weber and Panaia Junior Faumuina landed in Samoa last Friday to hold open ear, nose and throat clinics and to give an educational talk to local general practitioners.

But on their first night in Samoa, Dr. Weber claimed that his laptop bag was stolen. 

He claims it was stolen from his hotel room located on the outskirts of the Apia Township.

The hotel declined to comment last night but confirmed that the matter is being investigated by the Police. 

It was not possible to get a comment from the Police yesterday.

But Dr. Weber told the Samoa Observer the bag contained not only all his valuable electronics, but the most important thing a doctor holds – his medical diploma, certification with the American Medical Board and the New Zealand Medical Council where he currently practices.

 Dr. Weber says his laptop also holds more than 20 years of medical records, case photos from his time in the military, and close to 100 hours of medical lectures and educational materials.

His voice trails off as he lists his stolen belongings.

“Oh my goodness… there is just so much stuff on there.”

When he realised his bag was missing, Dr. Weber went to reception for help, and was asked if he was sure the laptop bag even made it to the hotel room.

“What can you say?” said Dr Weber. 

Dr. Weber, Dr. Faumuina and his wife Norma Ryan drove out to the airport to confirm the bag came with the doctor to the hotel room.

And sure enough, airport security reviewed their C.C.T.V. footage and the group watched Dr. Weber carry his laptop bag to the car. 

The next night, Dr. Faumuina went to a local restaurant with his brother for dinner. When they returned to the car, the doctor’s bag was gone, and with it his passport, wallet, phone and $2,000 tala cash.

“I’m not scared, but it is annoying. It is quite an experience,” said Dr. Weber.

“Everything that really matters got stolen in a 24-hour period. I have my socks, but I don’t have my electronics.”

Mr. Weber is offering a reward of $500 tala to anyone who returns the laptop to him. 

They can call the cellphone 759-9279.

By Sapeer Mayron 27 August 2018, 12:00AM

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