Albert B. Gerbie, a professor emeritus at the Feinberg School of Medicine who was a leader in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology, died Oct. 15 at the age of 79.
“Professionally, Dr. Gerbie was one of the icons of obstetrics and gynecology as a clinician, researcher and teacher,” said Sherman Elias, chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Feinberg. “Personally, he was a man of tremendous integrity and wit and had a passion for the welfare of his patients.”
Affiliated with NU’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 1952, Gerbie was one of the pioneers in developing genetic amniocentesis. The procedure, which was revolutionary at the time of its inception, analyzes a pregnant woman’s amniotic fluid to determine the health of the fetus.
In a 1970 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, Gerbie and his colleague, Dr. Henry Nadler, secured amniocentesis’ reputation as a safe medical procedure for pregnant women, said Elias, who knew Gerbie for more than 30 years.
Gerbie was a full-time professor at NU and taught many different classes in obstetrics and reproductive medicine, Elias said.
Gerbie also served as program director for the OB/GYN residency and was the director of graduate medical evaluations in obstetrics and gynecology.
Outside of NU, Gerbie served on the Board of Governors of the American College of Surgeons from 1982 to 1986, and he received the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Distinguished Service Award in 1991, Elias said. He was also a former chairman and president of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 1975 to 1996.
“He and his wife were very down-to-earth,” said Kristine Dupuy, assistant to the executive director of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gerbie’s friend. “He was a very nice man, willing to help anybody.”
Gerbie has an endowed professorship in his name at NU, which is the “highest honor that the university can give,” Elias said.
Faculty members who receive endowed professorships in honor of the deceased professor are provided resources to conduct and receive support for their research.
“He was a dedicated mentor, and I personally felt like he was as close as my father,” Elias said.
Services for Gerbie were held last Wednesday at Lakeside Congregation in Highland Park. Barbara Hirsch Gerbie, the doctor’s wife of 55 years, died the day before he did. They are survived by their three children and four grandchildren.
Reach Corinne Lestch at [email protected].
