Senate Resolution No. 3143

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Dr. James Wilson, one of the
first Dominican Republican physicians to open a
clinic in the United States, distinguished citizen
and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the quality
of life in their communities and the great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Dr. James Wilson, one of the first Dominican Republican
physicians to open a clinic in the United States, died on Monday, April
6, 2020, at the age of 93, due to complications related to the novel
coronavirus; and

WHEREAS, James Wilson grew up in a poor area of Barahona called the
Batey, the heart of the sugarcane industry; and

WHEREAS, As a child, James Wilson read every book he could get his
hands on and became fluent in English; he then tutored wealthier
neighbors, which helped finance his pursuit of a medical degree; and

WHEREAS, Dr. James Wilson came to America in 1958 after finishing
medical school at the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo Medical
School in the Dominican Republic; and

WHEREAS, After completing his residency in New York City, Dr. James
Wilson returned to his hometown of Barahona to work as a medical
director at a local hospital; he wanted to give back to the town he grew
up in; and

WHEREAS, Dr. James Wilson and his bride, Nilda, immigrated to
Washington Heights, where he opened one of the first clinics run by a
Dominican physician; he operated the clinic for 40 years; and

WHEREAS, Affectionately known as El Profe or The Professor by many,
Dr. James Wilson helped sponsor many Dominican physicians who were just
beginning their careers; and

WHEREAS, Dr. James Wilson distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, Dr. James Wilson's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Dr. James Wilson leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Dr. James Wilson, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Dr. James Wilson.