In early 2015 a man carrying a single suitcase walked
into the Wellness Clinic at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital as a final resort. He was
hoping to check into the Bronx-Lebanon Life Recovery Program. But after traveling first to the wrong
location and having to spend the last of his change on a second bus ride, he was
given bad news: the clinic was closed. Wellness had shut down at midday as it
always does once a month for team meetings and the place was nearly vacant. He
pleaded his case, but to no avail. The man was told his best option was to
return early the next day to guarantee himself a bed in the morning. He had no
money and no place to stay, waiting for morning was not an option. Feeling
hopeless, he spotted a gentleman in the clinic who appeared to be some type of
manager or supervisor. The man introduced himself to this person asking once
again if there was any doctor who he could see. The manager, Mike, politely
responded there were no providers in clinic and he should return tomorrow
morning. With no plan B, the man could not accept this as a final answer and
asked to speak with Mike privately. Once alone, the man shared with Mike his entire story
beginning several years back when his problems first occurred and concluding with how he got into his current state. Upon hearing this man’s story, Mike knew he needed assistance
that could not wait until the following day. Mike made his way to the back exam
room area, informing the patient to wait in his office. When Mike returned with
the news that he would be seen immediately, the man was ecstatic and forever
grateful. He thanked Mike, registered, saw the doctor, was given medical
clearance, and checked into Life Recovery across the street.
Not until 6 months later was it realized how much Mike and the clinic staff had helped this man. As it turned out, the man checked into Life Recovery and also admitted himself into the Substance and Abuse Program. The man devoted himself to the program, not only graduating on time but excelling throughout the process. As graduation approached the man was offered the honor of being the Graduate Speaker. A few days
before graduation he returned to the Wellness Clinic and asked Mike if he was
able to attend the event at the end of the week. Mike said he would make
every effort to do so, and come Friday morning he was sitting in the audience listening to his patient's story as the man gave the Graduate Speaker Address. Of course Mike had heard this story before, but this version included a new chapter. A chapter where the man, with help from the dedicated staff of the Wellness Clinc, had been accepted into a life changing program. Since finishing the program, the man visits the Wellness Clinic for his monthly appointments, and each visit he seeks out Mike for a hello and an additional thank you for saving his life. |
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Department of Family Medicine
Bronx Lebanon Hospital
1276 Fulton Ave.
Bronx, NY 10456