When the Rebbe suffered a heart attack in 5738 (1978), Dr. Ira Weiss of Chicago served as the head of the team of doctors who treated him. After the Rebbe recovered, Dr. Weiss would visit him several times a year, attending a farbrengen and then giving the Rebbe a physical examination.

One year, Dr. Weiss brought a friend with him, Dr. Gerald Dorros, a distinguished cardiologist from Milwaukee. After the farbrengen, Dr. Dorros waited in the foyer outside the Rebbe’s room while Dr. Weiss conducted his examination. When he was finished, Dr. Weiss mentioned his friend and asked if he could introduce him to the Rebbe.

The Rebbe consented and invited Dr. Dorros into his room. “You should devote yourself to treating healthy people, not only sick people,” the Rebbe told him.

“How can I improve on what the Almighty has done?” replied the doctor with a smile.

“You can,” responded the Rebbe. “If a layman can’t improve on what the Almighty has done and if a doctor can’t improve on what the Almighty has done then what are we doing here?”

“Are you asking me to make man perfect?” asked the doctor.

“No, that is not what is asked of you,” the Rebbe told him. And with a twinkle he added: “Leave that for Mashiach.”