Renovation of pediatrics library, in tribute to one of the fathers of the discipline in Lebanon

Located on the sixth floor of the center, the library houses a sizable collection of all the main pediatrics-related references, books, periodicals, softwares, and CD-ROMS.

The renovation has allowed the medical center to upgrade the collection by including state-of-the-art technologies for healthcare education, thus providing students and residents with access to the most advanced online databases and search engines.

Dr. Mohammed Mikati, who chairs the pediatrics department, thanked the Idriss family for their "very thoughtful and valuable donation" to renovate the library, which was established in 1980 as a tribute to the late Dr. Hassan Idriss's eagerness for education and the practice of pediatric medicine.

The late Dr Hassan Idriss was one of the fathers of pediatric medicine in AUB, Lebanon, and the region, noted Mikati.

After finishing his training at AUB, Idriss joined the hospital in 1939 and was one of the founders of the department of the then-emerging specialty of pediatrics in Lebanon.

He then quickly became one of the leading pediatricians, not only in Lebanon but also the Middle East, as children from all over the region flocked to receive his medical care.

"He left an indelible mark as an extraordinary diagnostician, as a clinician's clinician, and as a superb teacher," he said. "Even up till a few days before his death in 1979, he was actively seeing patients and teaching students with unequalled enthusiasm, dedication, and skill."

Throughout Idriss' life, his wife, Leila-- who was present at the ceremony-- was at his side supporting his career and taking care of his family which now has three generations of pediatricians, added Mikati.

"The Hassan and Leila Idriss Library has been and remains an indispensable resource for generations of student trainees and staff," he said.

Dr. Nadim Cortas, vice president for medical affairs and the dean of the faculty of medicine and the medical center, also thanked the family for its support, noting that Dr. Hassan Idriss was one of the first doctors to practice pediatrics in Lebanon and the region. "The impact of this early group was tremendous," he said. "And we are proud today that they continue, through their families, to care for children and adolescents."

Also present at the ceremony were late Dr' Idriss' children, Sherine Idriss Daouk, and Imad Idriss and their daughters Souraya and Leila, respectively, as well as a number of AUBMC medical staff.