Google Doodle is celebrating the life of a medical pioneer, Dr. Saniya Habboub, who is among Lebanon’s first female doctors to study medicine in the United States.
Google wanted to celebrate Dr. Saniya Habboub on June 10, commemorating her graduation from medical school in 1931.
In 1926, Dr. Habboub was the first three to graduate from the American Junior College for Women in Beirut (AJCW), she then pursued her studies at the American University of Beirut (AUB).
After she heard about a doctor from Syria who went to study medicine in the U.S, Habboub decided to enroll at the Women’s Medical College in Pennsylvania where she graduated with a degree in gynecology and obstetrics in 1931.
On her graduation day, the school honored her success by inviting a Lebanese historian and professor from Princeton University to give a speech at the graduation ceremony.
Dr. Habboub also showed pride in the college and initiated a scholarship in her name to help future students.
In 1933, she returned to Beirut where she opened her practice in Bab Idriss. “Her clients thought she was just a midwife at first, but they grew to acknowledge her as a skilled doctor,” said Google.
Dr. Saniya Habboub also co-founded the Lebanese Red Cross Association and worked as a board member for the Muslim Orphan’s Home, the Young Women’s Muslim Association, and Maqassed Hospital.
After 50 years of hard work, Lebanon honored her with a Health Medal of Merit in 1982, and also named a street in Beirut after her.
As per google, Dr. Saniya Habboub is an inspiration for many women as she paved the way for future generations.
