American doctor Michael Zollicoffer spent more than 40 years treating people in low-income areas, often refusing payment if a patient did not have money. His line “Forget about this bill—I’ll take you in anyway” became a symbol of human care in the city.
Recently, he was diagnosed with cancer. Due to confusion involving insurance, the bill for his treatment exceeded $150,000 and proved too much for him to handle. Help came from the people he had once treated. More than 3,400 people raised over $280,000 through GoFundMe in a short time. The money allowed the doctor to complete the course of treatment, restore his insurance, and return to work.
So moving was the story to local residents that a member of the U.S. Congress, Kweasi Mfume, worked to have the doctor’s name included in the Congressional Record as a symbol of thanks and support.
Dr. Z, as he is called in Baltimore, continues to see patients. He said he felt for the first time how many good people are around, and that his clinic now attracts new patients who want to be treated by the person whose actions reminded them that real medicine is not only about curing, but also about compassion and humanity.
