Adib Sabbagh, MD (R.I.P. 4/5/2023)

Adib H. Sabbagh, MD, FICS (December 27,1932 to March 5, 2023)
President, United States Section of the International College of Surgeons (ICSUS), 2002

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved Past President of the ICSUS. On Sunday, March 5th Dr. Adib Sabbagh passed at the age of 90.

Born in Mosul, Iraq, Dr. Sabbagh immigrated to the United States in 1963 to specialize in Cardio Vascular and Thoracic Surgery. In 1968 he completed his residency in General Surgery in New York and then moved to North Carolina for two years of residency in Cardio Thoracic and Vascular Surgery at the Charlotte Memorial Hospital in Charlotte. This was followed by one year of fellowship in Cardio Vascular Surgery at the Texas Heart Institute under the tutelage of Professor Denton A. Cooley. Dr. Sabbagh began his practice in 1971 in Tucson, Arizona. He joined Denton Cooley Cardio Vascular Surgical Society in 1972 and served as its president for the 1982-1983 term.

Dr. Sabbagh joined ICS in 1981 and became the Arizona Regent in 1984. In 1997 he became a member of the US Section Executive Committee. His positions on the Executive Committee included Chair of the Board of Regents and Treasurer. In 2002 he served as President. Under his guidance, a very successful annual meeting was conducted in Dana Point, California. 

Dr. Sabbagh was a true benefactor of the US Section, as he routinely made substantial financial contributions to the Annual Fund Drive. This continued through 2022 when he made his final benefactor level donation. He was also a founding Trustee of the Dr. John Scott Surgical Endowment Fund and donated in excess of $25,000 between the two groups over the last 25 years.

Adib was a gentleman and a scholar; and he will be missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him personally.