[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 170 (Monday, November 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2321]]
IN RECOGNITION OF JAVIER LOPEZ, M.D., F.A.C.S. UPON HIS INDUCTION INTO 
       THE SAINT VINCENT CHARITY HOSPITAL'S SOCIETY OF SAINT LUKE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 5, 2007

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
my dear friend and mentor, Javier Lopez, M.D., upon his induction into 
St. Vincent Charity Hospital's Society of Saint Luke, an honor that 
reflects his immeasurable contribution to the health and well-being of 
countless individuals and families, from Cleveland, Ohio to Colombia, 
South America. His compassion and expertise continues to have the 
greatest impact on the poor of our community, whose lives are uplifted, 
inspired and made whole again by the healing compassion that defines 
the life and work of Dr. Javier Lopez.
  A highly skilled surgeon and general family practitioner in the 
Cleveland area for more than 40 years, Dr. Lopez's brilliant medical 
expertise is equaled by his patience, caring, compassion, and 
dedication to every patient, regardless of their ability to pay. More 
than forty years ago, Dr. Lopez journeyed from his beautiful homeland 
of Medellin, Colombia, to Cleveland, Ohio, to complete his residency at 
St. Alexis Hospital. The people of North and South Broadway, including 
myself and my family, were immediately taken by his kind, gentle and 
humble nature. Dr. Lopez's talent as a gifted doctor could have landed 
him a successful medical practice in any wealthy suburb, yet he chose 
to stay in the inner city, on Broadway Avenue, wholly dedicated to 
treating those who embraced him as a young man so many years ago.
  I have been fortunate to have known Dr. Lopez since I was a young 
man, and even more fortunate to have cultivated a close friendship with 
him. The positive impact that he has had on my life and the lives of so 
many others is truly indescribable in mere words. His excellence as a 
physician is surpassed by none, yet it is his deep sense of humanity 
that sets him apart from most others. Dr. Lopez continues to be a 
guiding beacon of hope along Broadway Avenue, uplifting the spirits, 
hearts and lives of countless individuals, including my own.
  Dr. Lopez lives his life dedicated to his faith, his family, and the 
communities of North and South Broadway and St. Vincent's. His vocation 
in medicine reflects his unwavering faith and is captured in the 
biblical reference: ``Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, 
that you do unto me.'' Dr. Lopez offers the same compassion, concern 
and medical expertise to the forgotten homeless man as he does to the 
successful attorney. Despite his great achievements in the field of 
medicine, Dr. Lopez's sense of humanity has always been blind to social 
or economic status.
  Although Dr. Lopez has wholly embraced his Cleveland community, he 
never forgets the struggles of the people of his Colombian birthplace. 
An international ambassador of healing, Dr. Lopez continues to lead 
regular medical missions to Colombia and Honduras, where he donates his 
time, expertise, medicine and medical supplies to war-torn and 
impoverished communities, forging healing, peace and hope for a better 
day. In Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Lopez's lifelong commitment to healing is 
reflected every day within his modest medical office on Broadway 
Avenue.
  His office still remains across the street from where St. Alexis 
Hospital once stood, and in 2003, Dr. Lopez became an integral member 
of the medical staff of St. Vincent Charity Hospital. He immediately 
garnered the respect, admiration and adoration of St. Vincent Hospital 
staff members and patients--everyone from the front desk receptionists 
to the nurses and surgical specialists.
  Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Dr. Javier Lopez, upon his induction into the Society of Saint Luke. 
Dr. Lopez' medical insight, intellect, grace, wisdom, leadership and 
friendship--and above all else, his compassion, kindness and heart, 
continues to raise the lives of so many of us onto a platform of hope, 
survival, peace and healing.
  Dr. Lopez strengthens our entire community by caring for us, and by 
caring, especially--``for the least of us.'' I am grateful and honored 
to call Dr. Lopez my friend, and I thank him for enriching my life by 
his close and consistent presence in it.

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