World's oldest practicing doctor, a NE Ohio native, celebrates 103rd birthday
The longtime Cleveland neurologist is also a highly respected educator at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and on Thursday, Tucker turned 103 years old.
During an interview at his home in Beachwood, Tucker reflected on his long life.
'I'm so happy to be here, so happy that I have my life, my happy family, no mental deterioration and I'm just grateful for every day,' he told FOX 8 News.
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Tucker is a 1940 graduate of Cleveland Heights High School and a 1947 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was the Chief of Neurology for the Atlantic Fleet during the Korean War.
Tucker said the most important moment in his life came when he met his wife Sue while working in New York City, and his biggest accomplishment has been their 67-year marriage.
Together, they have four children and 10 grandchildren.
His best advice about happiness at home comes from a poem written by Ogden Nash: 'to husbands, to keep love brimming in your loving cup, if you're wrong, admit it, if you're right, shut up.'
In 1957, Tucker was teaching at the then-Columbia College of Physicians in New York when he was approached about an opening for an assistant professor position at the Case Medical School.
He said he jumped at the chance to come home to Cleveland.
The journey back to Northeast Ohio would lead to decades of service at the Cleveland Clinic and St. Vincent Charity Hospital, but Tucker said it has been his time at Case molding the minds of medical students that kept him young at heart.
His sage wisdom and advice for young doctors made him an icon at the school.
'You do not have to be smart to be a good doctor. All you have to do is be thorough. Brains help, but it's the thoroughness that's the critical issue,' he said.
The doctor's grandson, Austin Tucker, produced a documentary about the life of the legendary physician called 'What's Next?' and has turned the centenarian into a viral sensation by posting videos of his words or wisdom on TikTok.
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'It's bewildering. I just don't understand it. I've just gone step by step in my life and I'm doing the best I can,' said Tucker.
He has simple advice on how to live a long, happy life, telling FOX 8, 'everything in moderation. Except, no cigarettes. That's the key.'
Tucker said it is also best to avoid one emotion: hatred.
'Your blood pressure goes up, your pulse goes up, your Sympathetic Nervous System overflows. It's damaging to you, so avoid your hatreds,' he said.
Tucker said his longevity is also due to good luck and genetics. His 'little' brother turns 100 later this year.
The doctor said he is planning to once again lecture at the Case Medical School in the fall.
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