A Remarkable Recovery: A Doctor’s Journey from Trauma Patient to Triumph
- April 2, 2025
Anesthesiologist Dr. John Lubben, a man of many talents, often spends his weekends working on his historic Monterey home. In August of 2023, the 100-year-old adobe had some issues with its tile roof. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Dr. Lubben, then 63, decided to tackle the problem himself.
His wife, Helene Lubben, was inside when she and her mom heard a loud thud. Helene dashed out the door in what felt like slow motion to find John sprawled on the concrete: he had fallen from 20 feet up on the ladder. Fortunately, she had her phone in her hand and immediately called 9-1-1.
Dr. Lubben suffered multiple fractures to his pelvis, hip and arm. The severity of his injuries demanded specialized trauma care. Recognizing this, paramedics rushed him to Natividad, the region’s only Level 2 Trauma Center.
Natividad’s orthopedic trauma surgeon, Dr. Daniel Flinn, repaired Dr. Lubben’s injuries in two surgeries totaling nearly eight hours. The road to recovery spanned three weeks of hospitalization and inpatient intensive rehabilitation, which included physical and occupational therapy.
“The outstanding care and coordination of our surgical team, trauma team, and physical therapists, as well as Dr. Lubben’s motivation, was instrumental in his progress”
– Dr. Flinn
Dr. Lubben, who works at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, is no stranger to hospitals. However, he confesses he found it very difficult to be a patient at one. “Being on the other side of the bed was a humbling experience,” he said. “It made me even more appreciate our work as health care providers.”
Dr. Anthony Galicia, Sam Karas Acute Rehabilitation Center Director, recalls that what stood out about Dr. Lubben was the positive attitude that got him through a challenging recovery.
“He was extremely determined to recover from his many fractures, John was dedicated to putting in three hours of physical and occupational therapy five days a week in the Acute Rehab. He was always complimentary of the staff and genuinely grateful for the care he received. John was able to step out of his usual role of physician and listened to the rehab staff’s expertise with humility and gratitude.”
– Dr. Galicia
Helene Lubben also said she appreciated that her dogs were welcome at the hospital. “We have two small dogs we registered as service dogs, and I was allowed to come in with them when I visited John,” Helene said. “It really helped his mood. Our patient experience was top-notch.”
A year after John’s accident, he has returned to the active lifestyle he enjoyed before that fateful day. Today, John and Helene regularly hike up the steep Veteran’s Park trail in Monterey, take HIIT classes, and he’s back to doing pull-ups, burpees and sit-ups.
“I didn’t think John would ever walk without pain or a limp, Within three months of the accident, he was working full-time again and working on the house. Today, he’s back to living his full life.”
– Helene, Physical Therapist
A Remarkable Recovery: A Doctor’s Journey from Trauma Patient to Triumph
The couple was deeply touched by the exceptional dedication of the entire medical staff — from nurses and doctors to CNAs and beyond — who consistently went above and beyond in their care. Helene added, “They weren’t just doing their job. If someone at Natividad were to ask if what they do matters and if it makes a difference, I would say yes and yes. It makes me almost cry thinking about how kind, caring and supportive everyone was. Thank you to everyone for providing the right care for John.”
“I am so happy that we were able to play a part in treating a fellow health care provider and assist him in his recovery back to full-time employment so that he can continue to care for the people in our county.”
– Dr. Galicia