John BABICH

Doctor John Babich was born on October 14th 1924 to Joseph and Helen Babich. He is survived by his wife Marie, five children Mary, Jennie, Maggie of Sacramento, Judy Babich of Colorado Springs and son John F. Babich MD (Linda) of Charlotte, North Carolina and his three grandchildren Grant, Emma and Aidan. He was preceded in death by his infant grandson Jake, his brother Superior Court Judge Joseph G. Babich, (Eleanor). John attended Christian Bros High School, St Mary's College in Moraga, CA and received his medical degree from St Louis University School of Medicine. He interned at Sacramento County Hospital, now UC Davis Medical Center, where he met his beloved wife of 65 years who also served her internship there. He returned to St. Louis for his residency in pediatrics. John was called to military service in 1954 - 1956 serving as chief of pediatrics at the 2nd Field Hospital in Munich, Germany. John practiced pediatrics in Sacramento for 37 years. He was President of the Sacramento County Medical Society in 1970 where he established the annual award of the Golden Stethoscope, an award to a physician for exemplary practice of medicine along with special community services. He was instrumental in removing cigarette vending machines from local area hospitals. John was a delegate for several years to the California Medical Association and was Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at U.C. Davis Medical School. In collaboration with Dr. James Bramham, and Dr. Jim Schubert, John helped establish Certified Hospital Admission Program (CHAP), and Professional Standards and Review Organization (PSRO). John helped make private insurance more efficient and affordable. John and his two colleagues were invited to testify before Congressional Health Committees in Washington D.C. He and his wife Marie through the sponsorship of the Catholic Medical Mission Board served two sessions as short term medical missionaries in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. Many other Sacramento physicians followed them for short term work, as well as physicians throughout the country. He and his wife commissioned Helen Post, a well known local sculptor to create bronze statues of Asclepius and Pain for their medical building on J St. Upon his retirement the statues were given to Mercy Foundation where they now are part of the Healing Garden at Mercy Hospital. He was a friend of bicyclists and supported building more bicycle lanes on city streets. He loved to play golf and had a vast knowledge of the lives, merits and accomplishments of almost every professional golfer. He and his wife traveled widely. He had a keen sense of humor especially amongst his professional colleagues. They will all miss him, as well as his now-grown patients who often recognized him and thanked him for his love and care in their young lives. If desired, memorial gifts may be sent to Loaves and Fishes, Christian Brothers High School, or your favorite charity. A memorial mass will be held at St. Ignatius Church, Friday September 11 at 10:00 a.m.