This doctor’s dedication to and love for his patients will bring tears to your eyes. Be sure to grab the tissues before watching this story because you will need them. Watch the short but powerful clip about one doctor’s unbelievable love for and devotion to the people he treats.
Doctors are constantly thought of as being aloof and uncaring. Most people would probably agree that many doctors and medical professionals don’t see patients as people but as case files, something to treat and nothing more. While that kind of mentality might allow doctors to keep their emotions from impacting their work, it can make for unhappy, scared patients.
People are much more than their diseases, conditions or their ability or inability to pay for medical care. In times of great uncertainty, especially following a horrible medical diagnosis, having a medical professional who cares about the patient can make all the difference. Dr. Michael Zollicoffer is one of those doctors. He genuinely loves the people he treats.
A clip posted on YouTube tells the unbelievable true story of Michael Zollicoffer, a doctor who works in Baltimore’s poorest neighborhoods. He says he absolutely “loves people” and will see anyone even if they cannot pay.
“Forget that dollar bill,” he said. “I’m going to see you no matter what. You walk in that door; you will be seen. You bring your grandma with you, I’ll see her, too.”
The clip adds that Michael has been a practicing physician for nearly 40 years and has never taken a vacation. Additionally, he gives every patient his cell phone number and tells them to call him when needed, no matter the day or time.
So, when Dr. Zollicoffer was diagnosed with cancer, the community returned the favor and stepped up for him in a big way. The community raised more than $100,000 to pay for his cancer treatments.
“You know what, I’m going to say something that may seem crazy as heck,” he said. “I’m thankful that I got cancer because I am the happiest man on the planet, no matter what the outcome. What we have shown and why we sitting here in this table right now, to show America, this is what you’re about. We about giving. I can’t make it without them, and nor can they do it without me.”
Galatians 6:10 “So then, as we have the chance, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the family of the faith.”