In 1966, cesarean sections (C-sections) were not routinely performed, anesthesia was not yet readily available in labor and delivery units, and Dr. Marvin Gerard, OB/GYN on the medical staff at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, delivered the first baby at the newly constructed Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.

Dr. Marvin Gerard and his wife, Eunice, were honored at a retirement reception at Texas Health Dallas.

Since then, he has seen a great deal of medical firsts and been an integral part of generations of families in the North Texas community. In addition, he delivered the first set of twins and performed the first C-section at the hospital.

“I’ve seen my patients go from age 18 to 65 and delivered their children, grandchildren and some great-grandchildren,” said Gerard, who celebrated his retirement last month at Texas Health Dallas.

He estimates delivering more than 5,000 infants during his career and has seen developments in some of the most crucial areas of medicine. He says one of the most astounding has been the advances in care for premature babies.

“He’s been a physician of firsts and was adaptable to so many changes that took place in his 54 years of practicing medicine,” said Dr. Eugene Hunt, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Texas Health Dallas. “In fact, Dr. Gerard was one of the first physicians to achieve efficiency with the Electronic Health Record.”

Though he’s not quite sure of his retirement plans just yet, Gerard does know he wants to stay busy.

“I’ve been busy my entire career and I don’t plan on slowing down,” he said. “This has truly been a great work experience and I really couldn’t have done it without all of the hard working labor and delivery nurses.”

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas is an 898-bed acute care hospital and recognized clinical program leader, having provided compassionate care to the residents of Dallas and surrounding communities since 1966. U.S. News and World Report has ranked Texas Health Dallas among the nation’s best hospitals in digestive disorders, orthopedics, and neurology and neurosurgery. An affiliate of the faith-based, nonprofit Texas Health Resources system, Texas Health Dallas has approximately 4,000 employees and an active medical staff of more than 1,000 physicians. For more information, call 1-877-THR-WELL, or visit TexasHealth.org/Dallas.