In 400 B.C., the Greek Hippocrates, known as the Father of Medicine, developed an oath of medical ethics in which one of the chief tenants was ‘do no harm.?
For nearly a half-century, Dr. David Jennings has not only honored that tenant, he’s gone above and beyond it by becoming a force for good in his community as a trusted healer, role model and beloved institution for generations of Oxford families.
On Sept. 14, 2003, Jennings celebrated his 45th year as a general practitioner in Oxford.
Looking back over the years, Jennings summarized his lengthy career by saying, ‘Everything was gratifying.?
Born and raised in Flint, Jennings left the urban jungle behind in search of some place smaller when it was time to hang his shingle.
‘I didn’t want to go to a big city because that’s where I was from,? Jennings said. ‘I wanted that sense of community which you don’t have in a big city.?
Fate led Jennings to stop in Oxford after visiting a hospital in Lapeer. He asked someone at a local gas station, ‘How are you fixed for docs around here??
The man replied, ‘We sure need’em.?
The next thing you know Jennings set up his practice on N. Washington St., right in the heart of downtown Oxford. He remained downtown for a little more than four decades.
In 1999, Jennings closed his office and moved into the POH Medical Center, where still practices today.
Over the years, Jennings estimated he’s attended to approximately 3,000 patients, many of them families who bring their children and their children’s children to see him.
‘In some families, I’ve cared for five generations,? he said with pride. ‘It feels good when kids you took care of bring their kids to see you.?
A good number of his patients were helped into this world by Jennings. He estimated he’s delivered 300 babies during his career.
‘The last baby I delivered started college this year,? he said with a smile.
Treating Oxford youth brings a lot of joy to Jennings, who still performs many of the sports physicals for local athletes, whom he always describes as a ‘great bunch of kids.?
‘You hear so much about rotten kids, but it’s still only a minority,? he said.
Jennings? love of kids led him to serve on the Oxford Board of Education from 1969 to 1977.
Prior to medicine, Jennings considered careers in accounting, forestry and law.
However, the ‘challenge? of medicine is what drew Jennings to the field.
‘I didn’t want a typical 9-to-5 job. I wanted something with challenges,? he said. ‘I go to work everyday and there’s something new. It’s never the same.?
Jennings faced the biggest challenge of his life in December 2002 when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a very deadly and incurable form of cancer.
Fortunately, thanks to a powerful combination of chemotherapy treatments, a loving wife of 38 years (Katherine), a positive attitude and tons of prayers, well wishes and cards from patients and former patients, Jennings is happy to report he’s in remission.
‘He’s a very fortunate man,? Katherine said.
Throughout his battle with cancer, Jennings continued to work.
‘He never missed one minute in his office, not one minute,? Katherine said.
Jennings said continuing to practice medicine and being ‘concerned with someone else’s problems, not my own? helped him better deal with his disease.
So what does the future hold for Dr. Jennings?
A change of scenery.
Oxford’s POH Medical Center is phasing out its family practice in preparation for its transition to an Emergency Room.
Jennings said his five-year contract with POH expires in June 2004, after which he will find somewhere else in either Oxford or Orion to continue doing what he does best.
‘I’ve got offers from several places to hang my hat,? he said. ‘Some of my patients are panicky. But I tell them, ‘Don’t worry, I don’t plan on retiring. That’s really never appealed to me.??