The community of Dover, Ohio, is mourning the loss of a highly respected physician and compassionate healer, Dr. Michael Mitchel McCombs, DO, who passed away unexpectedly.
Dr. McCombs was a dedicated internist whose career spanned over 25 years, leaving a profound impact on the lives of his patients, colleagues, and the wider medical community in Tuscarawas County and beyond.
Dr. McCombs was known not only for his clinical expertise but for the deep empathy and care he showed each and every patient.
A 1996 graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, he went on to build a distinguished career centered around internal medicine a field that allowed him to develop long-term relationships with patients, manage complex medical conditions, and provide holistic, thoughtful care.
His passion for medicine was matched only by his unwavering commitment to the well-being of those he served.
Throughout his career, Dr. McCombs was affiliated with prominent healthcare institutions, including Union Hospital in Dover and Twin City Medical Center in Dennison. He was highly regarded for his professionalism, thoroughness, and the calm confidence he brought into every examination room.
Patients often commented on how he made them feel seen and heard a rarity in modern medicine that spoke volumes about his character and calling.
Dr. McCombs was also known for embracing innovation in healthcare, offering telehealth appointments to ensure access and convenience for his patients. He remained current with advances in his field while never losing sight of the timeless values of compassion, respect, and trust.
More than just a physician, Dr. McCombs was a pillar of the community. Over the years, he cared for generations of families in Dover and surrounding towns.
His impact rippled far beyond clinical settings, as he supported local health initiatives, mentored young medical professionals, and served as a trusted advisor to many. For his patients, he wasn’t just a doctor he was a lifeline, a listener, and in many cases, a friend.
His loss is deeply felt not only by the thousands of patients who relied on his care, but also by his colleagues in the medical field, many of whom viewed him as a mentor and role model.
Staff members at Union Hospital and Twin City Medical Center have expressed heartfelt condolences, recalling his steady leadership, keen diagnostic instincts, and approachable demeanor.
While his professional accomplishments were vast, Dr. McCombs was a deeply devoted family man. Though details about his personal life remain private, those who knew him well describe him as a humble, grounded, and kind-hearted individual who valued family above all else.
His warmth, humor, and generosity of spirit extended beyond his work, enriching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Tributes have poured in across social media and local news outlets, with former patients and colleagues sharing stories of how Dr. McCombs made a difference in their lives.
Many remember his calming voice during moments of medical fear, his follow-up phone calls to check in long after appointments ended, and his rare gift of making people feel truly cared for.
As the Dover community grapples with this enormous loss, there is comfort in knowing that Dr. McCombs’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he improved through his skill, kindness, and dedication to healing. His work will continue through the students he inspired, the families he supported, and the colleagues who will carry forward his example.
Funeral arrangements for Dr. McCombs will be announced in the coming days. The family asks for privacy as they navigate this time of mourning, and has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the community.
Dr. Michael Mitchel McCombs, DO, leaves behind a legacy of service, excellence, and humanity. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
