God Speed, Chick Koop!

Posted on | February 26, 2013 | Comments Off on God Speed, Chick Koop!

C. Everett Koop was born in 1917, three years after my father. Both men were consummate and courageous physicians in the best sense of the word. By this I mean three things: 1) They were completely dedicated to their patients, so dedicated that their families sacrificed in many large and small ways to assure that their mission was fulfilled. 2) They were independent. By this I mean that in the interest of medical science and the health and well being of the people we serve, they could not be corrupted, influenced or silenced. 3) They were generous with their time and spirit – remarkably accessible to their colleagues, quietly befriending and counseling and mentoring and modeling a level of professional courtesy, at a time when monetarization and industrialization of Medicine challenges the humanity, the wonderment, and the joy of a life so committed. Thank you, Chick, and God Speed. Hope to see you on the other side.

Mike Magee