Dr. Sabry F. Gohara, [1941-2014]; Retired surgeon stayed in teaching role at UT
4/30/2014Dr. Sabry F. Gohara, a cardiothoracic surgeon who completed his residency at the former Medical College of Ohio and who still taught at its successor, the University of Toledo medical school, died Friday in Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. He was 71.
He had pulmonary fibrosis, his daughter Miriam said.
He retired from practicing surgery more than a decade ago, but not from teaching. He was a UT assistant professor and taught as recently as three weeks ago. He coached students in such basic clinical skills as suturing and knot tying as well as the advanced areas like managing blood loss and infection, said Dr Gerald Zelenock, chairman of the surgery department.
"He was a student advocate for sure, and he was a kindly senior surgeon, a grandfather figure and a relentless optimist for the young doctors," Dr. Zelenock said.
His wife, Dr. Amira Gohara, is a professor and dean emerita at the medical school and was an interim president of the former MCO.
"He was very supportive and proud of her accomplishments," daughter Miriam said.
Born and raised in Egypt, the Goharas were founding members nearly 15 years ago of St. George Coptic Orthodox Church in Monclova Township. They'd left their native land because religious persecution was likely to limit their opportunities at home, their daughter said.
Dr. Gohara was born Nov. 18, 1941, in Cairo to Angele and Fawzy Gohara, and met his wife while studying medicine at Cairo University.
"He was just a very good student, and the best students went to medical school, and they went to Cairo University, which at the time was the best university in the Middle East," his daughter said.
The Goharas arrived at the still-new MCO in 1969 to complete their residencies after a first year at Oldham General Hospital in England. They became U.S. citizens in 1975.
He read scholarly journals in many fields, from physics to history.
"He was very intense and passionate about the the things he cared about," his daughter said, "but he had a quiet presence. He was quiet and paid attention and took a lot in."
Surviving are his wife, Dr. Amira Gohara, whom he married Sept. 5, 1967; daughters, Miriam Gohara and Dr. Mona Gohara; brother, Wadie Gohara, and four grandsons.
Services will begin at 11 a.m. today in St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, Monclova Township. Arrangements are by Walker Funeral Home.
The family suggests tributes to the church.
Contact Mark Zaborney at: mzaborney@theblade.com or 419-724-6182.