At an early age, I was certain that I wanted to be a physician, even though I saw very few people who looked like me doing so, nor were there any on television. At that time in my life, I had to use the fictional character of Dr. Marcus Welby as my example and motivation. Kids today probably have no idea who he was and nor do they know how popular that show used to be. But he had the career that I wanted and pursued until I achieved it. Â Â
Now fast-forward 30-something years later and picture me meeting a local medical legend by the name of Dr. James M. Whittico, Jr. In my lifetime, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many celebrities, politicians, and diplomats, but I must admit getting to know Dr. Whittico far outweighs those encounters. Because he is indeed a jewel to not only me, but this entire community, on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the St. Louis Airport Marriott, Mound City Medical Forum with host its annual Scholarship Gala as well as celebrate the 100th birthday of this outstanding physician.Â
As I think about what Dr. Whittico means to me, I wonder how many people truly understand how remarkable this man is. And if you are reading this and can honestly say that you do not know much about him, then you have obviously not been in St. Louis very long. Not only has Dr. Whittico served as a medical provider, but he has also been a civic leader with work, such as the Black Leadership Roundtable.Â
The son of a West Virginia doctor, Dr. Whittico recalls fond memories of riding with his father, Dr. James Whittico, Sr., in a horse-drawn buggy to perform house calls. His father, born about 20 years after the emancipation of slaves, was a fine physician and probably laid the strong foundation for the type of physician Whittico, Jr. would soon become. Dr. Whittico’s father worked during some fairly oppressive times, yet persevered, which in turn taught Whittico, Jr. that same fortitude.Â
Dr. Whittico, a now retired surgeon, graduated in 1940 from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. He then furthered his training at Homer G. Phillips Hospital before volunteering in the US Army in 1942. He had the honor of being the first black doctor from Missouri to become a military hospital chief surgeon. He eventually rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel and later was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for combat service.Â
Dr. Whittico has been recognized with numerous other awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award in Health Care from The St. Louis American Foundation. Although those awards were most likely special to him, they could not compare to the joy and pride Dr. Whittico displayed about caring for his patients. Providing exceptionally compassionate care was standard for Dr. Whittico and every patient received VIP service. His patients and colleagues absolutely adored him and respected his opinion.Â
In addition to his local service, Dr. Whittico’s leadership also extended nationally. He served as the president of the National Medical Association in 1968 and was very passionate during that time about increasing the number of blacks in medical school. Dr. Whittico is also credited with being the first NMA president to successfully invite a sitting president of the United States, Dr. Lyndon B. Johnson, to address the organization.Â
I could write for days about the many accomplishments of this great man and how he has inspired generations of doctors. Several years ago, his fellow colleagues and I were so impressed with Dr. Whittico that we wanted to honor him by creating a scholarship in his name. This scholarship is given to a medical student who has shown tremendous leadership and has proven their dedication to underserved communities.Â
The way Dr. Whittico practiced medicine and the way he treated people was an extraordinary gift that he possessed. He exemplified a level of professionalism that is often lacking in today’s health system. Simply put, Dr. James M. Whittico, Jr., has lived a phenomenal life dedicated to others!Â
Therefore, please join us and help us give Dr. Whittico his well-deserved recognition and help us to be able to pass on his legacy to the next generation!
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Yours in Service,
Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D.
Assistant Professor
SLUCare Family Medicine
yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com
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