Rudy E. Sabbagha, M.D., 89, died November 15, 2020, in Chicago.
Dr. Sabbagha was born in 1931 in Israel to Elias C. Sabbagha, M.D., and Sonia Boulos Sabbagha.
Dr. Sabbagha served as medical director of the Obstetrics and Gynecologic Ultrasound Center in Chicago and was professor emeritus at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.
Prior to his work at Northwestern Memorial Hospital of Chicago, Dr. Sabbagha completed his residency at Magee Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa. He had a special affinity to Pittsburgh because his maternal grandfather started the first Greek Orthodox Church in Pittsburgh. During his residency he became intrigued by the concept of using diagnostic ultrasound imaging in obstetrics and gynecology studied by professor Ian Donald at the University of Glasgow. Doctors at Magee Women's Hospital arranged for Sabbagha to complete his postgraduate fellowship with Donald in Scotland. Together they became pioneers in the field of ultrasound. This work became his passion. After completing his fellowship, Dr. Sabbagha accepted a position as assistant professor at Magee Women's Hospital.
He authored numerous books, abstracts, publications and has lectured nationally and internationally. In addition, he has led many post-graduate courses and has fulfilled several visiting professorships. In 1989, he was the recipient of the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics Public Recognition Award.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Asma Sabbagha; his son, Dr. Elias (Hope) Sabbagha; his daughter, Dr. Randa Sabbagha; his grandchildren, Austin Sabbagha and Sydney Sabbagha; his sisters, Sylvia Akl (Adel) and Elsie Nylund; his brother, George E. (Claire) Sabbagha; and many nieces and nephews.
To keep everyone safe and healthy, a memorial service will be private.
Memorials may be made to a favorite charity or the Sabbagha Lecture Fund at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Donate online at https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/obgyn/about/giving.html or send a check payable to Northwestern University to Northwestern University, 420 E. Superior St., Arthur J. Rubloff Building, 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611.
Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
