Local Doctor Recognized By City Council For Providing Life Saving Medical Care After Shark Attack

News Staff • June 19, 2024

Dr. Forbess was on vacation in Rosemary Beach when he assisted a shark attack victim

local gulf shores news

This past week, Dr. Ryan Forbess and his friend Dr. Mohammad Ali were on vacation with their families in Rosemary Beach, Florida. They were playing with their kids in the surf when they heard screams from people on the shore. As they rushed out of the water and onto the shore they saw red clouds in the water from a shark attack.


Their medical training kicked in and the doctors began administering care to two victims, one of which had serious injuries to her upper leg and hand. The 15-year-old, Lulu Gribbins, would later say that Dr. Forbess saved her life for applying tourniquets on the teen’s leg and hand.


The City Council and Mayor Tony Kennon recognized Dr. Forbess for his heroic and skillful actions. During the council's meeting the City provided a Certificate of Recognition and attendees gave the Doctor a robust standing ovation during the presentation.

Dr. Ryan Forbess is part of the Orange Beach Family Medicine Group. He has a passion for family medical care. He has lived in Orange Beach since 2016, where he has provided great primary care to the community. He is excited to open Orange Beach Family Medicine to continue caring for the families in the area. 


Ryan Forbess, M.D., grew up in McKenzie, Tennessee and completed his undergraduate education at the University of Tennessee. He worked as a mental health specialist at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center starting in 2000. He then realized his passion for family medical care and went on to pursue his medical degree from St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine in Grand Cayman.


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