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Remembering wonderful life of Dr. Michael Assey

by Dr. James F. Carter
I am sure the following words will prove woefully inadequate to the wonderful life of Dr. 

Michael Assey, who died at his Charleston home on Oct. 28 at age 52.

Dr. Michael Assey

I cannot ever remember not knowing Michael Assey. The first images I have of him is that wonderfully engaging smile. I don’t ever remember arguing with him on anything, he was so much fun to be with.

Spending much of our youth at the “Rec” from the old marsh front with the billiard table in the back, to the “Rec” at its present location, Michael and I were fast friends, especially talking and debating with Matt Goyak and Kay Richards about baseball. Michael and I were absolute Dodger fans and knew every player's name and statistics. We followed the games on our radios (the old powerful wooden ones) and when we could not get the scores that night, we got them from good old' WGTN radio station the next morning.

Time passed and Michael and I found ourselves working for the “Rec” as umpires for the church softball leagues. He and I alternated behind the plate or in the field, and we were awarded the staggering sum of $2 each per game.

We had some interesting experiences, especially when we found ourselves on the wrong side of one of our “bad call.” The colorful metaphors of the church softball league during those moments was quite educational. What fun!

Time went by and we departed for college and our separate ways—Michael to Georgetown and myself to the University of South Carolina. Michael, however, though not going to Carolina, was a big Gamecock fan, through thick and thin (mostly thin) and we remained in contact, especially when we knew we were going to medical school.

We continued to follow the Dodgers and yet we knew that the calling was for medicine, not baseball. He was interested in cardiology; I in obstetrics and gynecology. But we both held something dear to our hearts—the patient.

Talking to Michael through the years was always an uplifting experience, whether talking about sports or the more serious subject of medicine.

When I returned to Georgetown in 1983, my first visit was to see Michael’s father, “Dr. John,” where I found him sitting in his old office, which was connected to his house.

Dr. John told me how proud he was of Michael and how he would be keeping an eye on me, too. I felt so much love by him and the friendship of Michael Assey. It is a wonderful memory.

Our friendship was deep. Even though we did not see each other much, we talked often.

In 1991, Michael and I talked about teaching and how he loved teaching both the medical students and the young doctors in training. He said, “We need you here at MUSC.”

I left Georgetown to reunite with my friend (according to Michael, “Georgetown boys just have the touch”) and to try and pass on a few tidbits to the young doctors in training.

As the years passed, Michael's success at the Medical University grew. His roots and his love for the people of Georgetown grew as well. He felt honored and truly enjoyed taking good care of not only his family members—of which there are considerable—but his friends and colleagues’ families, as well.

He took care of innumerable families from all walks of life. Michael Assey, professor of medicine and head of cardiology at the Medical University of South Carolina, always had time for everyone, especially his family and friends.

Last year, when my father was ill and I was preparing to drive to Georgetown, Michael called me and told me to call him if there was anything that he could do, and if Dad needed to come to MUSC, he would be home awaiting my call. Michael was not on call that weekend, but was always available.

Michael's compassion, his technical skills and his knowledge was unparalleled to anyone. He never let his professional success go to his head, other than making him feel honored to be able to help his fellow man.

God put Michael Assey on this Earth to be a healer and he was that and more. He was a very good brother. He was a very good brother. He was a very good teacher. He was a very good physician. He was a very good husband. He was a very good father. He was a man of faith. He was the best of the best.

He took such good care of so many people, taught so many other physicians and was so kind, I do not understand why he was taken from us when there was so much more that he could and would have done.

Michael accomplished so much during his short life I can only think that God was so pleased with his treasure in Michael Assey that He wanted to bring him back to Heaven. I am just a human and my selfish nature wanted Michael with us longer here. These words are so inadequate to express my love, admiration and respect for Michael. I can only use the following words from an unknown author:

Asking God
 I asked God to grant me patience. God said “No. Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is earned.”
 I asked God to give me happiness. God said “No. I give you the blessings. Happiness is up to You.”
 I asked God to spare me pain. God said, “No. Suffering draws you apart from the worldly cares and brings you closer to me.”
 I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said “No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.”
 I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, “No. I will give you life so that you might enjoy all things.”
 I asked God to help me love others, as much as He loves me. God said, “Ahhh, finally you have the idea.”

Michael Assey had the idea from the moment he came into this world. I was amazed that the whole world did not come to a stop when Michael Assey left it; it surely came to a stop for me. I had never contemplated healing without Michael Assey. My light is dimmer and I miss him greatly.

This world is not as good without Michael Assey, but with God’s help we will try to carry the torch. We cannot run as fast as or go as far without Michael, but we will try. He was my friend, and so much more.
Editor's note: Reprinted with permission from The Times, Georgetown.