Antonio Licata
What made you want to get your M.D. degree from WVU?
Coming from a middle-class family and being a son of a steel worker, the affordability of WVU was a significant factor in my decision to come here.
What made you want to become a doctor? Is there an experience you had that made you realize why you chose this profession?
My inspiration for becoming a doctor comes from stories that my father told about his relationship to his local general practitioner. When my father was a young boy, this doctor befriended him and eventually allowed my dad to tag along on house calls with him.
My dad told a story about a time when he accompanied the doctor as he went to deliver a baby. The husband was waiting on the porch, and wanted to know what my father was doing there, and the doctor told him that he was going to help deliver the baby. The husband then said, “he’s not coming in my house.” To which the doctor then said, “if he doesn’t come in, then I’m not coming in.”
Hearing that story so many times gave me a desire to become a physician.
The doctor even offered to pay for my dad’s education if he did not get married. The doctor was supposed to deliver me but unfortunately, he died before I was born.
What was your favorite part of the M.D. program?
I had great instructors who really wanted us to become good physicians. I also feel I have former classmates who are still great friends.
What memory stands out the most from your time in medical school?
I enjoyed the vast amount of hands-on instruction we received and being able to participate in a large number and variety of surgeries.
How did WVU shape you into the doctor that you are now?
I feel that my teachers all felt that I must have compassion for my patients and always put their needs first. I also learned that from my loving parents.
Where did you do your residency at?
I did my internship and surgical residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
What do you do now?
I am now retired and living in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. My wife has been greatly involved in grief support for many years and has run support groups in the past. I have also been involved with grief support with her and it has been very rewarding. Here, at our local Catholic church, we have been involved in the grief share program.
Why did you want to go into that type of medicine?
Although my father’s friend was a general practitioner, I felt I wanted to become a general surgeon, where I could be more involved in solving patients’ illnesses. I practiced general surgery and a very small amount of vascular surgery. I was one of the first surgeons in Weirton to do laparoscopic surgery.
What do you find most interesting about that area of medicine?
I really enjoyed the thrill of doing surgery and solving problems.
Do you stay connected with any fellow alums-- if so, how do you connect?
I try to stay in touch through reunions and through social media. As I get older, getting to reunions is becoming difficult. I do have a classmate who spends time in my area, Tom Dotson. Our relationship has become closer, more like brothers! I am truly thankful for the education I received at WVU, and the lifelong friendships I made during my time as a student. I also am very happy with the friends I have in the School of Medicine Alumni Association, namely Linda, Gina, Debra, Bryan and Cecile.