The Roanoker July/August 2023 - 56

Top Docs 2023
of our " Top Docs " awards in the Best Allergist
category.
He works with patients who generally feel " sick
all the time " with various respiratory illnesses.
From nasal and sinus conditions, chronic asthma
and bronchitis to skin eczema and allergies of all
kinds (including animal, pollen, food and drug/
vaccine), Fame and his team are experienced in a
variety of medical issues related to our respiratory
health. While he's passionate about his job, it's not
an easy one, given the many ways our bodies tell
us when something isn't right.
" You have to really understand how this
complicated 'machine' we call the human body
works, and listen to a patient's symptoms,
then figure out what could have gone wrong
in the machinery to cause those symptoms, "
he says. " Then you reach into your 'toolbox' of
medications (which you also have to have a great
understanding of how they work) and try and fix
the problem. Medicine is not multiple choice like
on your boards, but that is just where you start. "
While he says he doesn't know what he's done
to deserve the accolades, Dr. Fame has only ever
tried to be himself, and listen to people. " And
besides trying to find a 'fix' for their problem,
I like getting to know who the person is, what
they do, what they're involved in, " he adds. " Often
that extra time listening to someone also helps
me 'solve their medical problem' by exposing an
important piece of the puzzle. But people just
like that someone is taking an interest in them,
and I do! "
Fame's practice allows him the freedom to treat
patients and his staff with special care. He loves
people and solving problems, though his favorite
part of the job is when someone gets better and
he and his patient can celebrate that newfound
THE BEAT OF
HIS OWN DRUMS
Award-winning allergist, celebrated citizen and...
resident rock star? Dr. Thomas Fame finds all
kinds of ways to give back to the community -
even through music!
T
56
he second oldest of nine children, Dr. Thomas Fame
originally hails from Rochester, New York, later training in
medicine while serving in the U.S. Air Force. He and his
wife, Leah, along with their three girls, moved to Salem in
1992, where he has practiced allergy medicine ever since. His excellent
reputation along with long-standing practice, Fame Allergy & Asthma,
has earned him dozens of awards, including multiple consecutive years
JULY/AUGUST 2023
health together!
When he isn't helping patients, Fame is busy helping communities -
not only ours, but in Haiti, too! He has been working in Haiti for the last
27 years, with over 50 visits to a rural valley community where he's built
and run schools, worked on clean water projects, business development
and also started a large public health team and now-clinic. In addition to
this incredible outreach, he is also a member of the Salem Rotary Club
and an active member of his Catholic church, Our Lady of Perpetual
Help, in Salem. He has also written two books on these experiences,
" The Lambi's Call: A Haitian Journey " and " A Lambi's Call: Breaking
the Chains. " He was also named the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber
of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2009; the Roanoke Chapter of the
NAACP Citizen of the Year - Medicine in 2011; and a 2016 Salem
Outstanding Citizen.
But wait, that's not all! Fame has always wanted to play the drums, and
started taking lessons years ago. He is now a drummer with a local rock
band, the Southbound Gypsies. " It won't take the place of my medical
career, but it's been lots of fun bringing joy to people who listen to us! "
TheRoanoker.com
AARON SPICER
http://www.TheRoanoker.com
The Roanoker July/August 2023

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