After holding his last clinic for the last time, Michael Voigt, MD, clinical professor in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, joined family and friends at the Vine in Coralville to celebrate. For nearly 26 years, Voigt established himself as an expert in a variety of liver-related concerns, serving as a critical member of the liver transplant team at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, among many other responsibilities.
Many other members of the transplant team and his division arrived over the course of the evening to praise Voigt’s career successes and to wish him well before he and recently retired pathologist Patricia Kirby, MBBCh, relocate to Austin, Texas.
As attendees snacked on appetizers and drinks, a few surprise appearances also arrived to offer their thanks for Voigt’s impact on their lives. Former fellows and even one former transplant patient and his wife traveled from more than an hour away to be there. “(Voigt) saved my life,” he said. “I told him that but he just said, ‘Aw, it takes a team.’ But I know what he did.”
A steady stream of guests lined up for one last photograph with their long-time friend and colleague. All of them made it clear that Voigt would be deeply missed.
Dear Dr. Voight. Where do I begin. Well when I first met you treating my sister Marty I knew she was in the right place. You were kind caring honest and compassionate. Then you displayed those same qualities treating my sister Mary. He is a man who was very dedicated and worked long days yet there you were at Mary’s funeral. You became one of our brothers and my family looked at you as one of us. Then finally you were there for my brothers BJ and Joe. Taking time from your tedious work load to guide them with the right care they needed. I will miss your kind smile that glowed when you spoke at the Clowning Around benefit that Marty’s children organized to give back to your passion for helping their mother. You are so deserving to finally sit back relax and enjoy the sun the moon and all God has for you. I will end with a simple when we met you it was a sign from Heaven that there truly are angels amongst us. Sincere best wishes Donna B
[…] sat down to their meals, one more guest made an appearance. All the way from Austin, Texas, the recently emeritized Michael Voigt, MD, was able to wish the graduates well via FaceTimeon the phone of William […]