First patient diagnosed with coronavirus at JFK hospital reunites with doctor he says saved his life

The very first patient diagnosed with coronavirus at JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio is speaking out. 

In an exclusive interview with News Channel 3’s Madison Weil, he and his doctor share their experience and how together, they got through it. 

“The moment that I walked into the room and put on the mask and the gear and walked in front of a patient with COVID...I’ve never felt that way before. My heart was racing,” said Dr. Saeed Eskandari. 

Dr. Eskandari showed News Channel 3 the room where he met his first ever COVID-19 patient, Michael Kussman. “As soon as I started talking to Mike...as wonderful as he is...he calmed me down,” he said. 

His patient, Kussman, lives in Washington. He was visiting the valley when he started feeling sick.

Today, Kussman is fully recovered. He reunited with Dr. Eskandari via Facetime on Tuesday for the first time since he was discharged. 

Kussman was admitted to the emergency room in March. “I knew something was wrong. I was trying to fight the breathing issue...it was scary,” said Kussman. 

He was at JFK for nearly a month. 

“This is where Mike would see us through that window,” said Eskandari, showing News Channel 3 the small window through which they could see into Kussman’s room. 

Kussman was cut off from his family and friends during treatment. He says his medical team was the support system that kept him going. “I was scared to death and I can honestly tell you I thought that was the end of the road for me. But everybody was so positive in helping me be positive.” 

He says the view out his window offered him sunlight and hope. “I thought...I gotta fight like hell if i’m gonna make it.” 

Dr. Eskandari also showed News Channel 3 the current COVID unit at JFK. He says he carries what he learned from Mike with him daily. Addressing Kussman directly via Facetime, he said, “Before you left, you told me something. You said that essentially you remembered every word that I told you. You telling me that just...it hit me hard.” 

He added Mike’s full recovery inspired the team at JFK. “When we think back on you which is pretty much on a daily basis...you’re a ray of sunlight to us,” he said. 

 “You’ll always be in my thoughts forever. I can’t thank you enough for the support that you gave me and the risk that you took,” said Kussman.