Meet Melissa Freeman, the 92 Year Old Doctor

Dr. Melissa Freeman is a 92-year old mother and grandmother that has spent more than 60 years practicing medicine and was inspired by her grandparents to stay educated. At age 92, Dr. Freeman divides her time between running a private practice (nearly 40 years old ) and a New York City clinic where she treats people who are addicted to opioid drugs such as heroin and oxycodine. In her interviews, including her appearance on “Good Morning America”, Freeman mentioned that her grandfather was born a slave, but moved to New York in the late 1800s to start his family after the Emancipation Proclamation. She also spoke about her grandfather’s lack of education and how he managed to make sure his children and grandchildren received theirs.

Freeman was recently honored by Howard Medical College, her alma mater.

“My dad who, who came from rural Alabama, did not have the opportunity to get the education that he wanted to get. But he emphasized the importance of getting a high school and a college education,” Freeman said.

Melissa Freeman, a native of the Bronx, continues to take the subway to commute between the clinic and her practice. In 1955, Freeman graduated from medical school. Today, Freeman treats between 150 and 200 patients each year. Ranging between the ages of 20 to their late 90s, she sometimes works as late as 9pm treating her clients. Typically, Dr. Freeman starts her day working in the drug clinic as she practices internal medicine. Then, she travels by subway to her private practice.

“I’m a New Yorker,” she said. “If I have to get somewhere and the subway is the best way to get there, I will board the subway and take it.” With the ability to get where she needs to go, this grandma has no plans of slowing down. When she was asked about retirement in her interview with “Good Morning America”, Dr. Freeman said; “Not that I can see in the near future, no”.

Dr. Melissa Freeman is a true representation that anybody of any age can do what they truly love and of a hardworking woman.