A New Jersey doctor who fought for his life after testing positive for coronavirus was discharged from the hospital this week to applause and chanting from his colleagues, an emotional video shows.
Dr. James Pruden, 70, beat the illness about a month after he was diagnosed at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, where he works as the director of emergency preparedness.
Video shows Pruden being wheeled out of the hospital Tuesday as his colleagues lined up to cheer and chant his name.
“Unbelievably proud moment!! Dr. Pruden discharged after beating Covid19 and his St. Joseph’s family seeing him home,” Desserie Morgan wrote on Facebook along with a video of the heartwarming scene.
During his departure, Pruden joined in on the celebrations, clapping and pointing to some of the signs his colleagues made for him, the video shows.
Pruden, who lives in Teaneck, was in critical condition in isolation at the hospital after coming down with symptoms of the virus March 1, according to hospital officials.
He issued a statement Tuesday thanking his colleagues for their support during his battle to beat the dangerous bug, the Paterson Press reported.
“Your care made the difference for me and enabled me to beat this virus,” Pruden said. “I implore every health care worker across New Jersey to keep the faith and stay strong. You are giving everything — for people just like me. You are truly our heroes.”