Magic Moments at the Perelman Medical Center for Advanced Medicine in Philadelphia.

Written by, Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by, Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Copyright 2017
Mussari-Loftus Associates
The Face of America Project

Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity. Hippocrates

Destination Philadelphia

Our Face of America journey took us to the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine in Philadelphia. It wasn’t like any of our other visits around the country. This was personal. We were on a mission of discovery.

After a year of medical appointments and well-intentioned diagnosis that varied from a stroke to Parkinson’s disease, and the encouragement from dear friends and family members, Kitch picked up the phone, and she called the neurology department at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. The person who answered Kitch’s call was accommodating, kind and polite.

Much to our surprise she was able to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jerold Mikszewski in less than a month.

Our First Visit

From the moment we entered the valet parking area, we knew we were in a special place. The plaza outside the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine was crowded with people. Some were sitting on benches. Others were standing in front of the entrance to the Perelman Center.

What got our attention were the beautiful spring flowers planted in little gardens throughout the plaza. They symbolized love, cheerful thoughts, worthiness and hope.

The very first person we met, a parking supervisor, gave real meaning to our general impression. He was caring, helpful, welcoming and kind.

Once we were inside the Perelman Center, we went straight to the information desk to ask for directions to the neurology department. The attendant was friendly, and he calmed our fears.

Once inside the neurology department, the receptionist was accommodating and helpful.

In 1931, W. H. S. Jones translated this pearl of wisdom from Hippocrates Aphorisms:

The physician must be ready, not only to do his duty himself, but also to secure the co-operation of the patient, of the attendants and of externals.

At the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, they translate these words of the Father of Western Medicine into meaningful actions.

Meeting Dr. Jerold Mikszewski

As to diseases, make a habit of two things -to help, or at least,
to do no harm. Hippocrates

In our opinion, Dr. Jerold Mikszewski was born to be medical doctor. He loves what he does, and it shows.

He is welcoming, competent, empathetic and kind. He understood our apprehensions. He was not rushed or in hurry.

He spent more than an hour with us. He wanted to know my medical history. He performed several examinations. He asked probing questions in a polite and respectful way. He checked my vital signs. He took notes on everything.

Then he shared his preliminary assessment. He told us the evidence supported a diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. More commonly known as PSP and Corticobasal Degeneration. More commonly known as CBD.

He wanted me to have a specialized MRI to confirm his preliminary findings.

When Dr. Dan Kopen, Kitch’s breast cancer surgeon, shared these words advice from his mother, he was describing Dr. Jerold Mikszewski:

Treat every patient as if they are family.

A Very Special Encounter

Tony Nixon is a supervisor at the valet parking hub.

While we were waiting for our car to arrive, he greeted us. He is the perfect person for the job.

He goes beyond the call of duty to make people comfortable. He is nice to everyone. He is natural conversationalist.

He is a living, breathing symbol of what makes the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine so special.

A Symbol of Hope

Men ought to know that from nothing else but the brain come joys, delights, laughter and sports, and sorrows, griefs, despondency, and lamentations…I am of the opinion that the brain exercises the greatest power in the man. Hippocrates

This picture was taken by Kitch as we drove home from our medical appointment in Philadelphia.

We followed the beautiful cloud formation for several miles, and I wondered why this was happening.

I decided that it was a sign of hope.

At the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine in Philadelphia, medicine is loved, and there is a hopeful, encouraging atmosphere of love of humanity.

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com