Saniya Habboub

Dr Saniya M. Habboub died 1983

Saniya Habboub (1901–1983) was a pioneering Lebanese physician and one of the first women to practice medicine in Lebanon. She is celebrated for her contributions to the field of medicine and her role in advancing women's education and professional opportunities in the region.

Early Life and Education

Saniya Habboub was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1901. She was raised in a progressive family that valued education. Habboub attended the American University of Beirut (AUB), where she was one of the few women enrolled at the time. She graduated with a degree in medicine in 1931, becoming one of the first Lebanese women to do so.

Medical Career

After completing her education, Habboub returned to Beirut and began her medical practice. She specialized in gynecology and obstetrics, fields in which she made significant contributions. Habboub was known for her dedication to her patients and her efforts to improve healthcare for women in Lebanon.

Contributions and Legacy

Saniya Habboub was a trailblazer for women in medicine in Lebanon. She was a founding member of the Lebanese Red Cross and played a crucial role in the establishment of several healthcare institutions. Habboub was also an advocate for women's rights and education, often speaking at conferences and writing articles to promote these causes.

Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of female physicians in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. In recognition of her contributions, several institutions and awards have been named in her honor.

Personal Life

Habboub was married and had children. Despite the demands of her career, she was known for her ability to balance her professional and personal life effectively.

See Also

• Lebanese Red Cross
• American University of Beirut
• Gynecology
• Obstetrics
• Women's rights in Lebanon