Raja W. Abdul-Karim M.D. F.R.S.H. went to his Lord on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, 2023, with his loving wife Margaret at his side.
Raja and Margaret’s marriage of 61 years was one of love, devotion and respect. Meeting in Lebanon and marrying there, they settled in Syracuse, where they raised their two sons, Christopher and Kenneth.
Raja attended the American University of Beirut receiving his M.D. He received his fellowship in fertility and endocrinology at Yale and UCLA. In 1963, he started his long career at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, in the department of obstetrics and gynecology. He was appointed director of numerous divisions including the third medical student clerkship. Twice he received the Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Raja was well known and respected as an author, educator and consultant, both nationally and internationally. He was acclaimed for his research on “The Effect of Oxytocin on Renal Function in Human Pregnancy” and “The Role of Estrogens in Fetal Development and Blood Flow Distribution.”
His motto throughout his medical career was “encourage/enhance/ develop analytical/critical thinking.”
He is survived by his loving wife Margaret, his sons Christopher and Kenneth, his brother Kamal Abdul-Karim (Leila) and loving nephews and nieces. Raja was predeceased by his father Wadi Abdul-Karim, his mother Alice Shehadi Abdul Karim, his brother Nabil and sister Suha.
Raja’s many friends, patients and colleagues mourn his passing and celebrate his life and their connection with this kind and gentle man.
Services for Raja were held on Sunday, Nov. 26, at 3 p.m. at the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness, FL. Internment occurred after the service at Hills of Rest Cemetery, Floral City, FL
