Local to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A member of the South Florida community took a plane today to receive a high honor from the president of the United States.

Dr. Pedro Jose Greer left Miami International Airport late Tuesday afternoon headed to Washington D.C. where he'll receive the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama. "I walked into my office, and my secretary said the White House had called, and they wanted a secure line," said Greer before taking off.

Greer, a physician and assistant dean at Florida International University, thought it was a prank or maybe a mistake: a phone call from the white house saying President Obama picked him to receive the prestigious award. "I was pretty shocked," he recalled. "I call Janice, Janice felt equally as strongly that is wasn't real, to the point my secretary said, 'I think it's a hoax.'"

But it's no hoax. After several years of helping the homeless and disadvantaged, this hometown hero-- along with 15 others-- will receive an award the white house calls "America's highest civilian honor."

Greer was only an intern in medical school when he started a homeless clinic at Miami's Camillus House back in the 80s. Annually, the clinic provides medical care for more than 10,000 homeless people in Miami. Greer has also set up a primary medical care clinic for the disadvantaged in Havana.

The White House said the Medal of Freedom goes to "individuals who make an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

Dr. Kate Callahan of the Camillus House said Greer fits that profile: "And you know, it's no accident that he's getting this award because he's really... Obama said the people who are winning the award this year, the Medal of Freedom, need to be change agents in their community, and he is. He's been a major change agent."

"I made a promise in essence to my sister and to God that if I ever got to go to medical school and become a doctor I would never let somebody suffer and die alone," Greer said.

One person at a time, Greer is working to uphold that promise: a mission that's caught the eye of the president. From the Camillus House to the White House, Greer is in good company. Senator Edward Kennedy, Justice Sandra Day O' Connor, actor Sidney Poitier and Bishop Desmond Tutu are among some of the recipients set to get the award Wednesday.

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