NCH Healthcare system’s neurosurgeon, Dr. Mark B. Gerber, MD, dedicates his days to saving lives in the operating room and indulges in creating metal art during weekends.
During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Gerber and his son embarked on a journey to learn welding as a means of bonding.
Acquiring the skill of welding through online tutorials on YouTube, Dr. Gerber has ventured into crafting various creatures, likening the precision required to that of surgical procedures. Describing the process as meticulous, slow, and controlled, he finds parallels between his artistic and medical endeavors.
One of his notable projects, “Teddy the Bear,” a massive metal bear weighing several hundred pounds and standing at about 3 feet tall, took six months to complete. Crafted entirely from solid metal, the bear even boasts a set of golf clubs.
Dr. Gerber finds solace in beginning his creative pursuits at 2 a.m. on Saturdays, relishing the peaceful ambiance complemented by country music—a perfect recipe for relaxation.
Utilizing repurposed hospital operating room equipment deemed unfit for medical use, Dr. Gerber breathes new life into these materials, incorporating them into his sculptures. For instance, the fingers of his creations are often fashioned from cut-up and re-welded orthopedic hardware handles.
Over the span of more than 65 years, philanthropic contributions have propelled NCH from a modest nonprofit 50-bed hospital to a renowned 716-bed, two-hospital healthcare system.
Recently, NCH hosted a significant event in collaboration with Jack Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, featuring “Teddy the Bear” as a prominent auction item. The event, overseen by CEO-President Paul Hiltz MHA FACHE, raised over $3 million earmarked for pediatric care, emphasizing the importance of pediatric subspecialties for local children.
Despite being auctioned for $130,000 and acquired by Jack Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, “Teddy the Bear” was generously donated back to NCH, symbolizing the strong commitment both institutions share towards the Collier County community.
Dr. Saima Aftab, chief strategy officer of Nicklaus Children’s Health System and Neonatologist, expressed deep gratitude for the collaboration with NCH, highlighting the significance of enhancing local pediatric care.
Looking ahead, Dr. Gerber aims to extend his artistic contributions by creating more sculptures for charitable causes benefiting children in Southwest Florida.
“Teddy the Bear” is set to find a permanent home at NCH North Naples Hospital, situated off Immokalee Road, further embodying the spirit of community care and compassion.