Dr. Thomas Marmaduke Gocke

Dr. T.M. Gocke, known to his friends as “Duke” has been volunteering at MyClinic since 2013. Dr. Gocke registered to volunteer just before the modular clinic building opened, and has been a shining star ever since. Dr. Gocke grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin and is a life-long Green Bay Packer’s fan. He has his own Packer’s game shirt with the number 90 on the back, representing his game plan when he turned 90 years old. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin Medical School in 1947, Dr.Gocke continued his post-graduate education which included five years at the Boston City Hospital on the Harvard Service where he trained with Dr. Maxwell Finland, a leading authority in infectious disease.

Dr. Gocke later served on the faculty of Georgetown Medical School and Seton Hall University Medical School which became New Jersey School of Medicine. Other academic appointments have included: Clinical Associate Professor, Environmental Medicine and Community Health, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York (Sept. 1966 – June 1972); Chief of Staff, Martin County Medical Center, through December 1984; and participation in the Institutional Review Board at Jupiter Medical Center.

In 1979, Dr. Gocke “retired” to Jupiter, Florida to practice Internal Medicine and then truly retired in 2006 to begin a new career in volunteer medicine. Practicing “old school” style of medicine, Dr. Gocke takes the time to learn about the patient’s complete history before making his final diagnosis. He even takes the time to call patients to check up on them and see how they are feeling.

Dr.Gocke is a dependable and enthusiastic volunteer at MyClinic where he donated 186 volunteer hours of service in 2015. He is like the Energizer Bunny that keeps on going and going! His dedication to MyClinic is greatly appreciated, not just by his patients, but by MyClinic staff. Dr. Gocke’s knowledge and kindness, and his willingness to volunteer whenever needed make him an invaluable asset to MyClinic and our community.

This same dedication extends to his loving family of five children and twelve grandchildren. He often tells the story of how he met his wife Ila Mae who was in nursing school when he swept her off her feet. They have been together and married for 65 years. He always says he needs to check with the boss when important decisions need to be made … and that is Ila Mae!

With our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude, we congratulate Dr. Duke Gocke, MyClinic Volunteer of the Year!