Children visit pediatricians and adults visit primary care or family medicine
providers, but patients in good health rarely need the skills of a health
care specialist. Since the rise of COVID-19, however, the skills of pulmonary
specialist Herman Levy, M.D., have certainly been appreciated by all of
Camden County.
A board-certified internist at Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Pulmonary
Medicine, Levy has treated Health System patients with lung disease for
nearly 30 years. With an additional specialization in critical care medicine,
Levy’s skills are especially helpful as Southeast Georgia Health
System battles the potentially deadly virus.
“It’s a very rewarding time to be a pulmonary specialist contributing
to the fight against coronavirus,” says Levy. “As a credentialed
physician with the Camden Campus hospital, I am part of a multidisciplinary
medical team who treat COVID-19 patients. In particular, I care for patients
with respiratory complications from the virus.”
Since 2017, Levy commutes an hour from his home in Brunswick, Georgia to
serve the Camden County community. “Camden is a warm and welcoming
area. I am so honored to care for the people who live here,” he
says. The Golden Isles are especially dear to his heart after a youth
spent in snowy climates.
Levy’s interest in medicine began in his native New Jersey. At 14,
he worked as a clerk at a drug store, and his high school years were spent
at New York Military Academy in New York State, an experience that instilled
the discipline and focus required for a medical career. He completed his
undergraduate degree at Montana State University in Bozeman and received
his medical degree from the University of Heidelberg in Germany. While
abroad, he worked as a medical technologist in a U.S. Army hospital. He
completed an internship and residency at Northwestern University Feinberg
School of Medicine in Chicago and his fellowship training at the SUNY
Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.
After returning to the U.S., Levy made his mark in Central New York while
helping to improve their emergency response system. Under his tutelage,
first responders advanced their knowledge of emergency care. This was
an important development in a region where hospitals were few and far
between. Levy aided in overseeing classes, providing hands-on experience
and certifying emergency personnel. As a result, “patients arrived
[at hospitals] in a better, more stable condition than ever before.”
While patients benefit from his expertise, they can appreciate his bedside
manner as well. Whether treating a patient with COVID-19, or a more traditional
disease such as lung cancer or Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease (COPD),
Levy prefers a “holistic” approach.
“The most important aspect of medicine is listening,” Levy
says. “That’s how I develop a patient-doctor relationship.
I strive to understand their story and treat the whole patient, not just
the organ system.”
Levy hopes that his empathetic care encourages patients to embrace his
suggestions. “Lifestyle is crucial to our quality of life. I emphasize
the importance of not smoking and avoiding situations that are injurious
to their lungs and overall well-being.”
Working with patients who struggle to breathe requires calm and compassion.
Levy’s family ties – his wife, Joni, five grown children and
10 grandchildren – put life in perspective. And nothing counteracts
a hard day at the hospital like coming home to the antics of the teacup
poodles his wife raises. He also enjoys delving into his interest in history.
Reflecting on his blessings, Levy says his career is high on the list.
“I’m grateful I became a doctor and fulfilled my desire to
make people’s lives better.”
Herman Levy, M.D., can be reached at Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Pulmonary
Medicine in St. Marys, 912-540-6740.