Rashid Al-Rashid, M.D., the first pediatric hematologist/oncologist in Nebraska, died Monday. He was 81.
The only childhood cancer and blood disease specialist in the region until the early 1980s, Dr. Al-Rashid served on the University of Nebraska Medical Center faculty from 1967-1992.
“He was an excellent teacher,” said Peter Coccia, M.D., the Ittner Professor and vice chair of pediatrics. “He was beloved by his patients and their families. For many years, he was their only resource 24/7/365 in an era where very few children were cured and families required extensive support.”
Dr. Coccia came to UNMC in 1987 to start the pediatric bone marrow/peripheral stem cell transplant program, and Dr. Al-Rashid became one of his team members.
“What I recall most about Dr. Al-Rashid is how much his patients and families adored him,” said John Colombo, M.D., professor, pediatrics pulmonology, for UNMC and director of the cystic fibrosis program at UNMC and Children's Hospital & Medical Center. “He was a very serious person but had a great sense of humor with his patients.
“I also have vivid memories of how he could start an IV in veins that no one else could even see, let alone cannulate. He was famous for having the best parties at Christmas that were attended by the chancellor and dean as well as some of us lower level folks.”
For David Bolam, M.D., associate professor, pediatrics – newborn medicine, Dr. Al-Rashid was a mentor.
“He was an outstanding one-on-one teacher and patient group instructor on rounds,” Dr. Bolam said. “His gentle approach and guidance were the primary reasons I chose to go into pediatrics. His excellence in teaching and patient care was a great example for us to follow as colleagues.”
Carol Russell is another person with fond memories of Dr. Al-Rashid. A longtime supporter of UNMC and an active community volunteer, Russell was a medical technologist for pediatric hematology/oncology.
“He was a kind, compassionate man,” Russell said. “He was big in stature. Working with the kids and families, they just loved him. They would come back and visit us even if their child didn’t survive. There was a bond. I learned an incredible amount from him. He was the reason I went on to get my master’s in pathology. He let me do research that I used for my thesis.”
Dr. Al-Rashid is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beverly, and his two sons, Roger and Rodney.
Visitation with the family will be Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the John A. Gentleman Chapel, 1010 N. 72nd St. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Evergreen Memorial Park, 2300 S. 78th St. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for donation to Dr. Al-Rashid’s favorite charities.
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