DEARBORN – One of Dearborn’s beloved surgeons, Dr. Mohamad Hakim, M.D., P.C., passed away on April 24 following a massive heart attack.

Hakim, 59, was a physician/surgeon who was recently elected as the chief of staff at Beaumont Hospital of Dearborn.

Hakim practiced medicine for 27 years after graduating from Wayne State University in 1986. He specialized in both general surgery and colorectal surgery.

“The truth is that I am sitting in a plane, on what feels to be a very long flight from California back home, hoping that I will make it on time to pay my respects to the family of my brother Mohamad and to be able to see him for the last time and bid him farewell,” said Hakim’s colleague and friend, Dr. Ghadi Ghorayeb of Dearborn.

Dr. Hakim surrounded by his daughters Sabah, Linda and Dania

“I learnt about his tragic and unexpected passing early this morning and I am still in shock and almost refuse to believe that Dr. Hakim is not with us anymore,” he added.

“It is most humbling to know that there’s a higher authority making such decisions and no matter how painful, we should accept, be patient, and make sure that we celebrate his life and ensure that his legacy remains alive in the hearts of the many that loved him and that he loved in return,” Ghorayeb said.

On Hakim’s professional life as a doctor, Ghorayed also said he was never too busy to take care of a patient.

“No matter what the circumstances, he will take care of business and would never postpone or say that it’s too small of a job or ask about their insurance,” he said, adding that it’ll take quite a bit to fill the void Hakim leaves behind.

Dr. Hakim with his wife, Farah Uddin

Ghorayeb also said that Hakim’s “superior intellect” and ability to constantly learn and acquire new skills, coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit, led him to establish a practice that treats venous diseases.

He also performed cosmetic procedures and developed a reputation in hair transplant procedures.

“He was so passionate about it, was having amazing results and actually did my transplant a couple months ago,” Ghorayeb said. “Hakim loved life, loved to travel and explore new cultures, loved to have a good time with his friends, always there to tell a joke and send a goofy morning text.

“My wife Joelle and I were fortunate to have dinner with Farah [Hakim’s wife] and Mohamad a few days ago,” he added. “Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined that it would be the last time.”

Dr. Michael Fakih, another colleague, friend and a renowned infertility physician, called Hakim one of the smartest doctors that he knew.

“I would not have hesitated to have him perform surgery on me personally, when and if I had needed one,” Fakih said. “He was an able and successful surgeon and administrator who was voted by his peers to lead as chief of staff at Beaumont Hospital.”

Dr. Hakim carrying his 1-year-old son, Ali

Fakih said that Hakim was a perfectionist at work and at home.

“His death is a personal blow to me, and a devastating loss as I lost a friend who is irreplaceable,” he said.

Hakim was burred according to his wishes in his birthplace in the city of Maazraet Mechref in Lebanon. He is survived by his wife, Farah Uddin, his daughters, Sabah, Linda and Dania and his 1-year-old son, Ali.

Commemoration services will be held on May 12 at the Islamic Center of America in the presence of friends and family.