Dr. Gavril Moldovan retires after 23 years with 52nd Medical Group Published Nov. 3, 2008 By Maj Paul Miller 52nd Medical Group SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Medical Group has cause for celebration and disappointment this November. Dr. Gavril Moldovan, a civilian medical doctor who has been a fixture in the 52nd MDG for more than 23 years has plans for an extended vacation and impending retirement. Dr. Moldovan was born, raised and schooled in Transylvania, Romania. In 1966, he completed all requirements for his medical degree. From 1966-1974, he practiced medicine in Romania and subsequently migrated to Libya and practiced there from 1974-1977. He returned to Romania for another five years, then immigrated to Germany in 1982. He worked in a clinic in Cologne until he applied for work at Bitburg Air Base Medical Group in 1985. Dr. Moldovan begin his career in the emergency room and has worked there continuously for the past 23 years. Dr. Moldovan fluently speaks three languages; Romanian, German and English. He loves music, art and collects wine. He has two daughters in Munich, Germany, one who is a practicing orthodontist. He became a German citizen in 1994. He has seen the MDG change over the years and has numerous stories from the past. He plans to travel and write a book on his like experiences. When asked why he stayed so long and why he loved working at the medical group, Dr. Moldovan replied that he enjoyed the organization, the highly-trained personnel, the supply and equipment channels and the constant change-over of staff. He also noted that he enjoyed taking care of U.S. military members and their families.