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Contact: Sarah Bello

Dr. David Leibel served Astoria region nearly 20 years

By Alyssa Evans, Marketing Coordinator II

When Jamee Meier’s sons were newborns, they were seen by Dr. David Leibel, urologist.

“They were under 3 weeks old,” Meier says. “I will never forget the way he looked at them. Before he performed their procedures, he said to me ‘Let’s take a moment to appreciate how amazing this baby is.’ Everything works and they are pretty much perfect.”

Dr. Leibel, Columbia Memorial Hospital’s first Urology Clinic provider, is retiring after a 42-year career, including nearly 20 years at CMH.

“Dr. Leibel is an integral part of why our community has urological services,” Meier says. “He really set the stage and tone for being available and treating everyone, from babies to those that are fighting cancer.”

Dr. Leibel started what is now the CMH-OHSU Health Urology Clinic in 2008 after transitioning from private practice.

“I’d like my patients to know I’ve always felt it was a privilege taking care of them and I appreciate them putting their confidence in me,” Dr. Leibel says. “I think that’s a really big thing.”

Dr. Leibel earned his medical degree from Des Moines University. He completed an internship at Normandy Osteopathic Hospital and a residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Dr. Leibel decided to pursue urology as a field while he was completing a general surgery residency in the 1970s.

“There were a lot of doctors and general surgery was a very crowded field,” Dr. Leibel says. “At the time, vascular surgery and urology looked like pretty good options. I was pretty sure I didn’t want to be a vascular surgeon and I have a pretty good intuition of the flow of tubing and liquids, so urology made sense.”

Dr. Leibel grew up in Los Angeles. After graduating from school, he started his first job in Stockton, California, where his father worked as a primary care doctor.

“He helped start my referral base,” Dr. Leibel says. “As time went on, I decided I really didn’t like practicing in California for a variety of reasons and I looked north to Oregon.”

At the time, the only urology provider job available was in Pendleton, Oregon, which is where Dr. Leibel decided to move to next.

“Pendleton was my introduction to Oregon,” Dr. Leibel says.

After some time, Dr. Leibel grew tired of living in eastern Oregon. As a teenager, he dreamt of living in a place like Big Sur, where the mountains and the coast meet.

As an adult, he realized living in Astoria, Oregon, would accomplish that dream. He moved to the area and began working at Columbia Pacific Urology in 2004. In 2008, Dr. Leibel transitioned the practice to be part of CMH, opening what is now known as the CMH-OHSU Health Urology Clinic.

“When an opportunity came to move out to the coast, I jumped at it. I’ve always wanted to live next to the ocean. I came to Astoria to live on the coast,” Dr. Leibel says. “It’s worked out and it’s been the best 20 years of my career.”

When Dr. Leibel arrived to the Oregon coast, the Astoria area hadn’t had a urology provider in five years. The previous area provider had retired.

“There was no urology when I came here,” Dr. Leibel says. “We started our clinic from scratch. … The days when a practitioner can run a small shop are long over. That’s how I decided to join the hospital and let them take over running the practice.”

Over time, the clinic eventually grew to include four full-time providers. The hospital and its staff grew too.

“It was much different when we started. We were a much smaller hospital then. They let us run the place and supported us with what we were doing,” Dr. Leibel says. “I do appreciate however that the hospital has grown significantly and from the patient’s point of view, things are much more comfortable, better and safer. … It’s better for patients and that’s what is important."

Maria Shipley was Dr. Leibel’s first nurse and worked with him from 2004 to 2006.

“She has gone on to an illustrious career at CMH,” Dr. Leibel says.

Shannon Lackey has worked with Dr. Leibel since 2006.

“Dr. Leibel has always been a joy to work with and my favorite provider,” Lackey says. “Together, we served thousands of patients in our community. … We have worked together for so long we aren’t coworkers, we are family, and he will be so missed by myself and the Urology team.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Leibel has always made a point to be available to help others, no matter what.

“Dr. Leibel has always been quick to help with patients and answer any questions the clinic nurses and medical assistants have,” Lackey says. “We have a running joke that I’ve talked to him around the world. He will answer a phone anywhere, as I have called him when he has been on vacation in France, Italy, the Alps in Switzerland, Greece, Hawaii and numerous other places around the world.”

Those who he’s worked alongside are thankful for his mentorship. This includes Meier, who used to be a nurse in the Urology Clinic alongside Dr. Leibel.

“18 years ago, at the bedside at CMH, Dr. Leibel taught me some fundamental nursing and urological skills that have served me in my profession and will benefit patients all of my nursing career. For that I am so grateful,” Meier says.

Lackey agrees.

“He has always loved teaching and will always take the time with new nurses and medical assistants to teach myself and others the art of urology,” Lackey says. “I’ve probably continued to practice as a urology nurse because of him and his approach to patient care and his loyalty to the community.”

In addition to starting CMH’s Urology Clinic, some of Dr. Leibel’s career highlights include serving as chairman for a meeting of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, and creating a program with the college and the University of California that educated participants on urinary incontinence, which was new to the field at the time.

He is also proud of helping grow the clinic and being involved in the recruiting of Dr. Grecori Anderson, another provider at the clinic.

Jeanette Schacher, Medical Group Director, has also worked with Dr. Leibel for years. They collaborated with Meier to recruit Dr. Anderson.

“As Dr. Leibel steps into a well-earned retirement, I can’t help but reflect on the countless instances of healing and support he has provided,” Schacher says. “I will miss his friendly demeanor and candor, and the community will forever be grateful for the legacy of care and kindness he leaves behind. Here’s to a retirement filled with the warmth and appreciation that he’s shared with us throughout his remarkable career.”

Another major highlight during his career has been the people he worked alongside, Dr. Leibel says. Many providers, nurses and others have made an impact on his life.

“The clinical staff at this hospital are just great people. Everyone is important. Everyone has a story,” Dr. Leibel says. “I’ve never seen any nurse, doctor, MA, whoever, not go out of their way to do a good job for the patients. I think that is a really great thing.”

Dr. Leibel looks forward to spending time with his family, and spending time enjoying his hobbies, including reading, investing in the stock market and yachting. He hopes to volunteer in his neighborhood and at CMH.

“If the hospital has any use for me here, I’ll try to be helpful in retirement too,” Dr. Leibel says.

Congratulations on your retirement, Dr. Leibel!