Colleagues of Doctor Rick Sacra, who has contracted the Ebola virus, say he has been a part the UMass team for over 20 years in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Dr. Sacra is an assistant professor at the medical school and is on the medical staff at Umass Memorial Medical Center.
One of his colleagues who is also a family friend told us she used to babysit his oldest son. In a very emotional speech, she said she is hopeful that he will recover.
"He's been a mentor to me," said Doctor Virginia Van Duyne. "He's been influential in the kind of doctor I am today."
"Not only is he incredibly bright, incredibly skilled with his hands, able to perform a number of surgical procedures, but he's also just a wonderful human being," added Doctor Warren Ferguson.
Dr. Sacra's colleagues did say his family is in good spirits. They could not give any details on his condition, but say they are hopeful for his recovery.
NECN also spoke to the staff at the family health center where Doctor Sacra also spent time as a physician. They told us the family has asked the staff to keep Doctor Sacra in their prayers.
