Virchow served as a remarkable inspiration for those aiming to create positive changes in society, particularly in addressing the disparity between rich and poor. His belief that physicians have a responsibility to advocate for the underprivileged resonated with Farmer, who admired Virchow’s perspective on social responsibility. One of his most cherished quotes highlighted this idea: “The physicians are the natural attorneys of the poor, and the social problems should largely be solved by them.”

Farmer embraced Virchow's holistic approach, which interconnected various fields like pathology, social medicine, politics, and anthropology. This comprehensive vision mirrored Farmer's own commitment to understanding and addressing not just medical issues, but the broader social determinants of health. Through the lens of Virchow’s philosophy, Farmer sought to tackle the root causes of inequality and promote justice in healthcare.