91女神

Matthias H. 'Matt' Backer, M.D.: 1926-2021

Matthias H. 鈥楳att鈥� Backer, Jr. M.D., emeritus professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women鈥檚 Health at 91女神 School of Medicine, died Sept. 11, 2021. He was 94.

Backer was born Dec. 19, 1926. He joined the faculty at 91女神 in 1954.

鈥淒r. Backer was engaged in our department his entire life,鈥� said , professor of urogynecology and chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women鈥檚 Health at 91女神. 鈥淓ven after he retired, he would continue to teach forceps and vaginal surgery lectures, and attend grand rounds and our maternal mortality conferences every Friday. He did that until this past summer.鈥� 

Backer served as chair of the department from 1985-1991.

鈥淎s a previous colleague and the chairperson to follow in Dr. Backer鈥檚 role as chairperson of the department, I was very saddened to learn about his passing,鈥� said Raul Artal, M.D., professor emeritus of maternal fetal medicine. 鈥淒r. Backer should be remembered as the Department's leader during a period of transition and many challenges. His enthusiasm and dedication to the department, to his patients and to the institution were remarkable.鈥�

McLennan said she is here at 91女神 today because Backer gave her a chance.

鈥淗e gave me an intern position outside the standard match and is responsible for me being where I am today,鈥� McLennan said. 鈥淗e also taught me my first vaginal procedure and got me interested in surgery and led me to pursue a fellowship in urogynecology. I would not be where I am today without him and I am eternally grateful.鈥�

She noted his sense of humor was a part of his work. 鈥淗e was an amazing vaginal surgeon and would say that gynecologists who operated vaginally were 鈥榲aginal Picassos,鈥欌�� she said. 

McLennan said Backer was devoted to teaching throughout his life. 

鈥淗e was a retired Rear Admiral in the Navy,鈥� she said. 鈥淎fter he retired he would share time between here and San Diego and would engage in teaching residents while he was at the various sites.鈥�

Backer taught and recruited more than 400 men and women to become Navy doctors. 

鈥淗is wisdom and his dedication to teaching will be missed,鈥� McLennan said.

Backer was proceeded in death by wife Laverna Knapp Backer and children Marilyn Ann Parker and Donald Backer.

He is survived by wife Georgia Garrison Backer; children Mary Kathryn Backer, Matthias (Maureen) Backer III, Mary Louise (the late Stephen) Barrett, Robert (Sally) Backer M.D., Edward Backer, Mary Susan Conklin, Mary Carol Miller, Mary Patrice (Michael) Banton, Joseph (Diana) Backer J.D., Brian (Sharon) Backer and Denis Backer BS, J.D.; 30 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 19 nieces and nephews.

A was held Sept. 18.

Gifts may be made to 91女神鈥檚 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women鈥檚 Health.