Basic Tallavera logo in white.

Guide to American Samoa (LBJ)

Your Primary Contacts:

Tallavera is proud to be partnering with LBJ Tropical Medical Center in American Samoa. Please note that at the end of your contract with Tallavera, LBJ Tropical Medical Center may offer you employment to work directly for the hospital!

American Samoa is a beautiful island with a rich family and faith-based culture. It is a U.S. territory covering 7 South Pacific islands and atolls. Tutuila, the largest island, is home to the capital Pago Pago, whose natural harbor is framed by volcanic peaks including 1,716-ft. high Rainmaker Mountain. Divided between the islands Tutuila, Ofu and Ta‘ū, the National Park of American Samoa highlights the territory’s tropical scenery with rainforests, beaches, and reefs. It has a range of topographic features, from mountains, volcanoes, and valleys, all of which have rich and diverse wildlife and ecosystems.

You will be welcomed to the island and delighted by the traditional communal lifestyle that revolves around the aiga, or family.

Samoan Culture and Traditions include:

  • Faith, family, and music.
  • A communal way of living, wherein all activities are performed in groups.
  • Houses without boundaries or walls, and families staying together.
  • Having chiefs who looks after the village.
  • One’s family is viewed as an integral part of a person’s life. The aiga or extended family lives and works together. Elders in the family are greatly respected and hold the highest status.
  • Indigenous Samoans are part of the Polynesian culture, which is a group that also includes Indigenous people from the Hawaiian Islands and New Zealand. Over 90 percent of the population of American Samoa is Pacific Islander, mostly Samoan.
  • The Samoan culture is called fa’asamoa, and it includes the matai (chiefs), aiga (extended family), and the Christian church. In Samoan society, matai are the head of their extended family, and they also have leadership roles in the nu’u (village).
  • Both men and women often get large tattoos from the waist to the knee that symbolize courage, honor, community, power, pride, and adulthood. While being tattooed, family members sit with that person to help them through the process, which can take months to complete.
  • Samoan cuisine features tropical fruits and vegetables such as coconut, papayas, taro, and breadfruit. People use an umu, an oven made with hot volcanic stones, to cook things like fish, pork, chicken, and vegetables covered in banana leaves.
  • American Samoa has a tropical climate, moderated by southeast trade winds. There is little seasonal temperature variation. Average temperature is 82º F. The rainy season lasts from November to April, but rain is common year round.
  • Traditional island food includes root vegetables such as taro (talo) and breadfruit (ulu), which is prepared using quintessentially Polynesian flavors such as coconut cream.

Sites to See:

  • National Park of American Samoa
  • Sunkist Tuna Factory
  • Vai’ava Strait National Natural Landmark
  • Many beautiful trails and lookouts (Leone is a popular place)
  • Airport Beach
  • Mount Alava
  • Ofu Beach

LBJ Tropical Medical Center:

Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center is the only hospital in American Samoa located in Faga’alu, Maoputasi County. It has been ranked among the best hospitals in the Pacific Ocean. The mission is to provide patient focused, comprehensive, safe, high quality, cost effective services to address the needs of the people served.

LBJ Tropical Medical Center is a 150 Bed Hospital offering a variety of Inpatient and Outpatient services:

  • Med/Surg, L&D, Pediatrics, Maternity, Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, Nursery & NICU, Dialysis, and Surgical Services and numerous Outpatient Clinics.

 

The team at LBJ are the kindest colleagues you will ever work alongside! The positive culture and pride in the care that is delivered is palpable within the walls of the hospital. Teamwork comes naturally and everyone works together to take care of the patients and each other.

The Executive team at LBJ appreciates your willingness in coming to the island and wants you to immerse yourself in their beautiful culture and island opportunities.

Airport and Arrival:

  • Someone from LBJ will be at the airport to pick you up and transport you to your housing accommodations.

Housing:

  • On campus housing – (space is limited) is steps away from the hospital. Units are spacious with plenty of storage. Shared laundry (2 Washer/Dryers) conveniently located right outside of the apartments.
  • Off campus housing – various fully furnished homes that provide multiple bedrooms and bathrooms to be shared with other Tallavera clinicians.

Mobile Carriers and Wi-Fi:

  • You will be able to sign up for either Blue Sky or Astca once you are in American Samoa which are both minimal cost (approx. $25). WhatsApp is a great way to communicate with family & friends back home. Internet service is also readily available on the island.

What To Bring:

  • Nurses will need white scrubs for SUN-MON-TUES. You can wear any other colors for the additional days of the week.
  • The weather is always hot and humid, so dress accordingly.
  • Most buildings have AC, which can be chilly. A sweater is recommended.
  • Bring a rain jacket and umbrella for the weather.
  • Bring some cash (US currency) for the bus. Credit cards will work everywhere else.
  • It’s always good to have a water bottle with you as the local tap water is not drinkable.

Transportation:

  • Walking:
    • There are 3 convenient stores near the hospital within walking distance.
    • Faga’alu is good place for walks and runs on the nearby coastline.
  • Buses:
    • “Aiga” (family) buses are privately owned and have no official schedule. Depending on how far you’re going, fare is generally between $1-2.
    • Most of the time you’ll be getting off the bus on the main road, but you can pull the cord and get dropped off wherever.
    • Taxis and rentals are also available.

Shopping:

  • Groceries –
    • Aveina Brother’s Inc.,
    • Pago Supermarket Store
    • Cost.U.Less
  • Restaurants –
    • Sadie’s Cafe
    • Tisa’s
    • Jade
    • Flying Fox
    • Manu’s Pizza
    • Paradise Pizza
    • The Fish Market
    • Cecilia’s
    • Good Vibes
    • DDW
    • Tropical Chicken and Pizza
    • McDonalds
    • Carl’s Jr.
    • Samu’s Ice Cream
    • Cafe Felicia’s
    • Turtle
    • Shark.

Fun Facts:

  • People are incredibly kind
  • Speed limit is 25 around the entire island
  • The island is absolutely beautiful and there are incredible sights everywhere
  • The time difference is 7 Hours behind EST.
  • Strong faith-based culture and communities

Although English is spoken on the island here are some other words to know:

  • Talofa – Hello
  • Tofa – Goodbye
  • Lavalava – Men and Women Cloth Skirt
  • Fa’ afetai – Thank You
  • Fale – A gazebo like structure
  • Oute alofa ia oe – I love you
  • Tulo lava – Excuse me
  • Fa’amolemole – Please
  • O a mai oe – How are you
  • Fia ai – I am hungry
Meli Manulo pictured with Tallavera CNO and Executive Vice President Jennifer Gales.
Picture Collection From LBJ in American Samoa, 3 of 10.
Picture Collection From LBJ in American Samoa, 10 of 10.
Picture Collection From LBJ in American Samoa, 5 of 10.
Picture Collection From LBJ in American Samoa, 8 of 10.
Picture Collection From LBJ in American Samoa, 7 of 10.