Albert Medwid M.D.
Dr. Albert Medwid passed away peacefully at Cottage Hospital on May 22, 2015 from complications following a stroke.
He was born to John and Katherine Medwid on October 8, 1924 in Pittsburgh, PA, where he attended South Side High School and graduated as valedictorian of his senior class.
After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh Medical School he started his surgical training with two years at Northwestern University’s Wesley Memorial Hospital in Chicago, followed by a 4 year residency in surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
It was on a TWA flight out of Chicago that he met a flight attendant, Donna Plummer, who would become his wife of 60 years.
Al will be remembered for his unfailing devotion to his patients and love for his family and friends, as well as his enthusiasm for the game of squash, his kind and cheerful nature and his great appreciation for the privilege of living in the beautiful city of Santa Barbara.
After 40 years of practicing surgery he began a new career as a businessman after designing and patenting medical devices to be used in surgery. After persuading his son, Bob to join him, the business expanded and the products are now sold to surgeons worldwide.
Al’s family remembers his unfailing ability to answer middle of the night phone calls on the first ring and to perform surgery at all hours without complaint. He often spoke of his admiration for the great courage displayed by patients facing major surgeries.
His patients were his first priority but dinner with his family was a priority also and he preferred to return to the hospital later in the evening than to miss the family dinner.
To his children he modeled excellence in all aspects of his life, both personal and professional and to his grandchildren he was a loving Papa.
In later years he often encountered former patients who thanked him for having added years to their lives and occasionally displayed their scars to remind him.
He was predeceased by his parents and four siblings, Dr. Michael Medwid, Natalie Medwid, Magdalene Campbell and Amelia Bracken.
He leaves behind his devoted wife Donna, and loving children, Bob, Jill and Lisa, son-in-law Glen Lewis and his 4 adored grandchildren, Laura and Daniel Lewis, Marina and Madison Medwid, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Donations in his memory may be made to El Montecito Presbyterian Church or the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission.
Services will be held Saturday June 27, 2015 at the El Montecito Presbyterian Church, 1455 East Valley Road, Santa Barbara at 2pm with a reception to follow.