Activism & Advocacy

Q&A: Dr. Melissa M. Freeman

By Nona Aguilar Wednesday, August 19, 2020 10 Comments Share This:

Until the lockdown imposed limitations, internist Dr. Melissa M. Freeman saw patients four mornings a week at Beth Israel Medical Center’s opioid clinic. In the afternoons, she received patients at her private office in Harlem, NY. What’s so special about that? The internist is 94-years-old! What’s more, after practicing medicine for 65 years, Dr. Freeman still isn’t ready to retire. “I love helping people; medicine is a gratifying way to do it” she says. “As long as I can, I’ll continue.”

Born and raised in the Williamsbridge section of the Bronx, Dr. Freeman had a happy childhood surrounded by a loving, supportive family. Another joy: music. She began piano lessons as a child and was accepted at the High School of Music and Art; there she continued her musical education learned to play the bass – and met a world-famous conductor. Later, as a Hunter College student, she considered a career in social work, but it was her science classes that influenced her career choice. When Covid-19 forced Dr. Freeman to limit her schedule, Senior Planet seized the opportunity to talk to her.

SP: You once played bass violin under the direction of the world-famous conductor Leopold Stokowski. How did that happen?

Dr. Freeman: Mr. Stokowski once visited the High School of Music and Art to listen to our orchestra. We were thrilled. What happened next was even more thrilling: Mr. Stokowski picked someone from almost every section of our school orchestra to join his own artists in playing Bach’s St. Matthew Passion at the old Metropolitan Opera House. I was one of the students he picked.

SP: Did this experience cause you to think about a career in music?

Dr. Freeman: No. As much as l love music, I never wanted a career as a musician.

SP: What prompted your decision to study medicine?

Dr. Freeman: A family friend whose daughter was a physician urged me to consider it. I brushed off the suggestion again and again. But when I realized how much I relished my science courses, especially my classes in physiology, the idea suddenly took hold.

SP: Once decided, where did you go to medical school?

Dr. Freeman: Howard University College of Medicine accepted me. With a partial scholarship, family assistance, and part-time jobs, I was able to get through.

SP: What did you do after your 1955 graduation?

Dr. Freeman: I had an internship at Kings County Hospital in New York followed by a residency in internal medicine at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, NY. Eventually I started working for Beth Israel Medical Center which was then focusing on the just-developing epidemic of opioid addiction. That was just over 50 years ago — and I still work there several mornings a week. In the afternoon I see patients in my private practice in Harlem.

SP: What advice do you have about Covid?

Dr. Freeman:If sickened, anyone with a comorbidity such as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, cancer, or any kind of infection should see a doctor immediately. People of color must be particularly careful. For reasons we don’t understand, Covid death rates are higher for this population.

SP: How do you feel about the Black Lives Matter movement?

Dr. Freeman: I feel hurt and angry that my grandfather (right) was a slave. A quiet, gentle man, he always respected others — and others respected him, something I saw all the time from our neighbors while growing up. Because total respect is called for, I’m gratified by the outpouring of concern for the lives of people of color.

SP: What does “aging with attitude” mean to you?

Dr. Freeman:Respect! It’s the vital attitude we must all hold — and not just as we age, but all our lives. ‘

Want to know more? Check out this TV profile. And this one.

COMMENTS

10 responses to “Q&A: Dr. Melissa M. Freeman”

R. Broadus:

Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 9:37am

This was by far the greatest reads!!! I am so grateful for self sacrificing young women and men of color still knowing and living the importance of aging with attitude!!! This is a Fantastic Article, thank you for Highlighting a Phenomenal Woman!!

Reply to R. Broadus
Joann E. Ryan:

Monday, June 28, 2021 at 2:15pm

I’m looking for a new Dr. I saw her in the internet. I hope she takes my insurance. I have diabetes, heart, asthma at age 78. I need a Dr. Who cares. I have health first , Medicare, Medicaid. I will make a change if I can, and she wishes.

Reply to Joann E. Ryan
Allyson Browne:

Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 7:16pm

Thank you for sharing this inspirational story of this inspiring icon. Legends of her caliber are respected and admired. Dr. Freeman serves as a model for all to follow.

Reply to Allyson Browne
Kathleen Pacheco:

Friday, August 28, 2020 at 7:44pm

Thank you Dr. Freeman, for your continued devotion to your patients, even at the age of 94. You serve as a great example for those people struggling to be respected. May God help them all, and especially you.

Reply to Kathleen Pacheco
Joann Scott:

Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 7:25am

Dr. Freeman’s life is inspiring especially her work during her senior years. Work has often. Been associated with the need for financial assistance but it is also necessary for our quality of life and to stimulate the brain cells. Work is a big part of our social lives. Dr. Freeman’s story has helped to inspire me to research paralegal studies and volunteer in that field. Thank you Dr. Freeman.

Reply to Joann Scott
Richard Hoffler:

Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 4:13pm

Keep up the good work, Dr. Freeman! As a retired internest
myself, I know that your patients love and respect you. Hats off to you, and may God continue to bless you to continue in your work.

Reply to Richard Hoffler
SU YANG:

Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at 6:24pm

Dr. Freeman is absolutely incredible. She still takes care of people at the age of 94. We need to learn from her as to how to keep herself so well. Although she may have born with a good gene, something else must have worked to her health and longevity. I guess, partly, her willingness to help people and get joy out of the act.
I wish her all the best. God bless her!!

Reply to SU YANG
Beverly A. Leali:

Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at 5:03pm

Dr. Freeman, you are incredible. May God continue to abundantly bless you to maintain your level of devotion and professionalism to your patients. I salute you.

Reply to Beverly A. Leali
Miriam Greenwald:

Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at 3:31pm

Wow! More power to you, Dr. Freeman! You’re helping to put the specter of ageism to rest.

Reply to Miriam Greenwald
ANTOINETTE M. BROWN:

Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at 2:54pm

Thank you so much for sharing Dr. Freeman’s profile and wonderful accomplishments. If her story doesn’t inspire anyone in some way… they have serious a problem.

Reply to ANTOINETTE M. BROWN