Herbert Edwin Bessinger, M.D. “Dr. B” was born to Leo and Edith Bessinger on Feb. 9, 1920 and went to his rest on May 20, 2006. He was predeceased by his mother and father; twin sister, Ruth Grinker and her husband, Harold; brother, Ralph Bessinger and his wife, Sybil, and their children, Robert and Barbara. Dr. B is survived by his son, Donald Bessinger (Susan) and his children, Adam, Andrew and Matthew; his daughter, Lois Bessinger Dee (Bart) and their son, Nicholas; and his twin sister’s children, Janet, Susan and David, as well as a great-granddaughter, great-grandons, great-niece and great-nephews. Dr. Bessinger served proudly in the United States Army. He received his Medical Degree at the University of Illinois Medical School. He was an active member of the Weiss Memorial Hospital Medical Staff from 1958-1988 and a member of the Honorary Staff until his death. Dr. Bessinger was instrumental in the establishment of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Weiss Hospital in conjunction with the University of Illinois (as an Associate Professor at the School of Medicine) and served at Weiss as the Program Director of Medical Education. Dr. Bessinger was also the Director of the Intensive Coronary Care Unit. While at Weiss, he established the first and largest (20 bed) Intensive Care Unit in Chicago. He was well known and respected by his peers. The Herbert Bessinger Award of Excellence was established at Weiss in his honor and is awarded each year to the outstanding resident. A plaque hangs outside the room in the emergency department dedicated to his name. Dr. Bessinger left his mark of excellence and will be truly missed. Dr. B will be remembered for his love of medicine, as a passionate educator, a great man and an exceptional father and friend. Rest in peace, Pop. Dr. Bessinger’s son and daughter wish to extend their gratitude to Dr. Khalid Malik, his student, colleague, personal physician and friend, for his constant care and concern for their father. Donations may be made in Dr. Bessinger’s name to Weiss Memorial Hospital, 4646 North Marine Drive, Chicago, IL 60640, 773-878-8700.
