Andrew Packer, M.D.

~ slfuchs

“Caring, kind and brilliant,” are three words I would use to describe Doctor Andrew Packer.

Maybe, I thought, the reason he spent so much time and took so much care diagnosing and treating my retina issues was because I was his rabbi. In time, though, I came to know that Dr. Packer took the same exquisite care of every one of his patients. 

I have seen more than my share of physicians over the course of my life, but Andy was one of the very few whose office I looked forward to visiting. His staff responded to him as though he walked on water. He was unfailingly considerate and gracious.

I thought of him as equal parts, physician, philosopher and Renaissance man! Often after services, he would ask a thoughtful question or share an observation that made me look closer at a text or make me rethink something I had said. 

He was also in great physical shape, and he shared his passion for healthy living and the value of exercise with others. Often, I saw him at the JCC dressed in his bike riding gear just before or after he taught one of his spinning classes.

There is one other word I would use to describe Andy: gentle. When he put on that contraption with the bindingly bright light that Ophthalmologists use and looked deep into my eyes to examine my retina, it could be very uncomfortable. But knowing Andy’s face was behind that glaring lamp made the experience more bearable.

It has been several years since I have seen him at the gym, in his office or at the synagogue, but his soft-spoken caring manner I observed in each of those places still inspires me.  His memory will endure in my eyes and in my heart as a blessing.









Unknown's avatar

Published by slfuchs

Loving husband, father, grandfather and rabbi. Author of, "What's in It for Me? Finding Ourselves in Biblical Narratives,” "ToraHighlights,” “Why the Kof?,” “Why Triple Chai?,” "Who Created God?," and "...And Often the First Jew." On October 17, 2017, Rabbi Fuchs was selected as the recipient of the Vanderbilt Divinity School's Distinguished Alumnus Award. To be considered for this award, one must demonstrate excellence and distinction in justice-making through their efforts in congregational ministry, religious institutions, non-denominational/all-inclusive organizations, community–based organizations, government, or other social institutions. Spent last four falls serving in Milan, Italy, (2013) and Germany (2014-2016). Otherwise, he enjoy writing and speaking after serving three congregations and as President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. He is currently serving as Rabbi of Bat Yam Temple of the Islands, Sanibel, Florida.

2 thoughts on “Andrew Packer, M.D.”

  1. Calendar Date: Saturday, December 28th, ( 2024 )

    Dear Rabbi Fuchs:

    Gut Shabbos ( ❤ ).

    I do hope that as we celebrate our Festival of Light, that you, Wife Vickie as well as Family-extended are all both well and in good health.

    Indeed, Dear Rabbi, care-givers such as Dr. Andrew Packer, M.D. both totally rock as well as make the World go round in my very own book, for sure.

    Please take very GOOD care, Dear Rabbi Fuchs.

    And to you and those of your Family very warm Chanukkah Wishes.

    Best Wishes, always.

    Shalom Shabbat.

    Mark David Loveland

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment