Doctor's healing hands still working magic at 88
July 6, 2003

JESSICA RYEN
Observer-Dispatch

Nestled in a small ranch-style building on the corner of Kemble and Eagle streets is a medical office reminiscent of the 1940s and 50s era. At the sturdy wooden desk inside the office sits a distinguished man, Dr. Abraham L. Shaheen.

His patients know him as a dedicated doctor willing to sacrifice his free time to make them feel better. His seven children and wife, Ruth, know him as a loving father and husband who generously supports his family. But to Shaheen, he is just doing what his father once taught him: taking care of sick people, especially old people, and God will provide.

"I like people," he stated modestly of his dedication. "And the message got to the people that I did care about them."

Shaheen is one month shy of his 89th birthday. He has been practicing medicine since 1946 and recently was recognized by Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare as an Honorary Staff member. Senior vice-president and medical director of Faxton-St. Luke's, Dr. Frederick Goldberg, said this is a status given only to an elite group of dedicated physicians who have served the hospital with distinction for a significant number of years.

"Dr. Shaheen's contributions to patient care for the Utica community and the hospital over the last five decades are legendary," Goldberg said. "He's highly respected in the community."

As he sat comfortably in his chair, Shaheen talked with ease about his years in the medical field. He graduated from Syracuse University College of Medicine in 1940 and after a series of internships, he became certified as a specialist in general surgery. When he first started his own practice on Genesee Street, he only had been married a few years and had two young children.

"At that time, no one referred cases to me," he said. "Without money, I started to do general practice and obtained my own surgery."

Shaheen insisted on not posting office hours -- his door always was open and no one ever needed an appointment -- a rule he tries to maintain today. He worked six days a week, performing surgery in the morning, seeing patients in the afternoons and often in the evenings.

After his clientele grew, Shaheen built his current location on Kemble and Eagle streets and has been there since 1956. He stopped doing general surgery when he was 75 years old and performed only minor surgeries. It has only been within the past two years that he ceased surgery altogether.

Throughout his five decades as a doctor, Shaheen has noticed some changes in the medical field. He has seen how far medicine advanced; for example with the onset of all the anti-acid drugs, the need for gastric surgery almost has been abolished. The diagnosis for disease is quicker now with the advancements in technology such as CT scans and sonograms.

Despite having his own bypass surgery in 1989, Shaheen is very healthy.

"(In 1989) I became more of a vegetarian and started exercising at the All-American Fitness Center," he said.

He still works out at the gym three days a week, walking the treadmill, riding the bike and lifting weights.

Currently, Shaheen works Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and continues to make house calls to elderly patients. Besides working out, he enjoys cooking, "dabbling" in the stock market and playing bridge.

Shaheen's eldest daughter, Kathleen Shaheen Sinnott, 57, followed in her father's footsteps and became a pathologist, but retired three years ago.

Shaheen Sinnott, who lives in Diamond Point, said her father did more than just inspire her to be a doctor, he also inspired her to help people.

Shaheen taught his daughter always to give her best -- and Shaheen Sinnott applied that lesson to her work ethic.

"When I was at work, I gave it everything," she said, explaining that she never let her mind wander to personal matters, instead she focused only on completing her lab procedures.

Shaheen Sinnott said her father reminds her a little bit of Don Quixote. "Part of him ... dreams the impossible dream." Her voice grew softer as she conveyed the pride she feels for her father; however, she would like to see him take time to do something for himself.

"He never complained about being tired," she said. "And I'm sure he was ... he has a quiet discipline that is really admirable."

Asked if he would like to retire any time soon, Shaheen replied, "Not if I can help it!"