Dear Colleagues-Friends:

It is with tremendous sadness that I share the news that Saba Masho, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H., passed away on May 28, 2018 after a long illness.


Saba Masho, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H.

 

Dr. Masho was a valued member of the medical school’s community since 2001 and served as professor and chair of the Division of Epidemiology in the Department of Family Medicine and Population Health.

With appointments in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as in the Department of Psychology in VCU’s College of Humanities and Sciences, her research has been supported by funders as diverse as the federal government, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Richmond City Health Department. More than 100 peer-reviewed publications, monographs and book chapters chronicle her research in the areas of perinatal health, youth violence prevention and provision of comprehensive care to underserved families.

Her career was marked by an admirable commitment to mentorship and to her community.

At the VCU Institute for Women’s Health, Dr. Masho directed Community Engaged Research and, in 2016, she and Professor of Psychology Terri Sullivan, Ph.D., were awarded a $6 million, five-year, CDC grant to work with Richmond communities to promote healthy communities and reduce the rate of violence.

Dr. Masho also served as graduate programs director for the Division of Epidemiology, overseeing the M.P.H. and Ph.D. programs. A popular mentor, she formally mentored more than 80 graduate students, medical students and medical residents as well as 20 Ph.D. students as dissertation chair or committee member. Since 2008 Dr. Masho has served as the VCU SOM Women and Science liaison with the AAMC to support advancement of women in science. Just last fall her contributions were honored with the Women in Science, Dentistry, and Medicine Professional Achievement “WISDM” Award.

Her guidance, friendship and service has shaped our school and community in lasting ways. Her influence will continue to be felt by her colleagues and mentees as we practice the lessons she taught us. Dr. Masho was an inspirational leader. The impact that her work has had in so many areas of critical public health needs also serves as an inspiration to us. Dr. Masho really made a difference, she will be sorely missed.

She leaves behind a husband and two young daughters. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. The family has indicated that any of Saba’s friends and colleagues are welcome to attend any or all of the funeral events.

Funeral is on Sunday, June 3, 2018
Viewing (open to all) 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Service 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Funeral/burial 12:30 p.m.

Funeral service address:
Woody Funeral Home
1020 Huguenot Road
Midlothian, Virginia 23113

Burial place address:
West Hampton Memorial and Cremation Park
10000 Patterson Avenue

Sincerely,
Peter F. Buckley, M.D.
Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, VCU Health System
Dean, VCU School of Medicine