10/21/2025 - 02:48 AM
Celebrating Dr. Antoine Mansour: A Lifetime of Medical Excellence and Humanitarian Service
Special Report – Beirut Times | California
As part of its ongoing initiative to honor Great Lebanese and Arab Figures Around the World, Beirut Times is proud to spotlight the remarkable journey of Dr. Antoine Y. Mansour, MD, PhD, MBA—a distinguished physician whose career exemplifies medical excellence, compassion, and cultural pride. His enduring contributions have not only raised the profile of Lebanese doctors globally but have also inspired countless generations in the pursuit of healthcare and humanitarian service.
Dr. Mansour, a specialist in general surgery, has dedicated over 60 years to patient care. His exceptional blend of clinical expertise, precision, and compassionate service has earned him the trust and respect of patients from all walks of life. But Dr. Mansour’s impact goes beyond the operating table. His work encompasses health awareness, charitable efforts, and community outreach programs aimed at improving healthcare access for marginalized populations. His legacy as a healer is intertwined with his steadfast commitment to humanitarian values.
Born in Cairo, Egypt in 1935, Dr. Mansour graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at Cairo University in 1963.
After graduating from medical school, Dr. Mansour specialized in surgery at Cairo University. Following graduation, he went to Lebanon, where he worked as a surgeon at Hotel Dieu of Tripoli which is a hospital branch of Laval University in Quebec, Canada. During that time, he volunteered his time to offer medical and surgical services free of charge to the poor in the villages near Tripoli.
He immigrated to the United States from Lebanon, where he completed his medical education and training in general surgery in Los Angeles at the following institutions:
• Queen of Angels Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
Internship (Transitional Year): 1968–1969
• Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Los Angeles
Residency in Surgery: 1970–1973
These programs provided him with advanced surgical training and clinical experience, laying the foundation for his long and distinguished career as a general surgeon in Los Angeles.
After his training, he worked at Kaiser Permanente and Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. He continued at Hollywood Presbyterian where he has worked continuously until today.
Shortly thereafter, he was invited to teach at the Drew School of Medicine in Los Angeles, where he received the Best Teacher of the Year for interns and surgical residents in 1981. Two years later, he was recruited to teach at the UCLA School of Medicine where he was exceptionally promoted to associate clinical professor in the department of surgery, where he published research papers both from UCLA and from his work at Hollywood Presbyterian.
In addition, he taught as an associate professor at other universities from Arizona to the Caribbean. Dr. Mansour also received the title of honorary professor of surgery in a University in South Korea.
Dr. Mansour eventually established a thriving private practice in Los Angeles. His practice quickly became a trusted institution, where thousands of patients sought care. Today, at 90 years old, Dr. Mansour continues to practice medicine part-time, embodying the same quiet determination and grace that have defined his illustrious career. He remains one of California's most respected physicians, admired for his unparalleled expertise and his enduring commitment to service.
He served the community in various areas. He served as a police officer reserve in Rampart Division of the Los Angeles Police Department. Dr. Mansour established the first Arab American Community Advisory Board for the Office of Los Angeles under Mayor Tom Bradley. Meanwhile, he was appointed as a city commissioner under Mayors Tom Bradley, Richard Riordan, and James Hahn. During that time he facilitated for the First Lady of Lebanon Mona Hrawi to receive the key to the city of Los Angeles.
He was appointed to the Civil Service Board which was responsible for 45,000 city employees. He was the recipient of the Mayor Tom Bradley Community Service Award in 1989. In 1989 he also received a commendation from Senator David Roberti, the President Pro Tempore of the State of California. Following this he was appointed to the Convention Center Authority for several years where he served as the president of this Authority for 4 of the years.
Dr. Mansour has served as the President of the Arab American Medical Association and President of the Lebanese League, the Los Angeles Chapter, and the Chairman of Continuing Medical Education of the Medical Society of Arab Americans.
He also volunteered his time as a Commissioner in the Licensing Division of the Medical Board of California where he served as a Medical License Board Examiner for several years.
Through this tribute, Beirut Times reaffirms its mission to spotlight Lebanese icons who reflect the bright face of Lebanon abroad, strengthening the bond between the homeland and its diaspora. Dr. Antoine Mansour is a shining example of this legacy, a healer, a mentor, and a cultural ambassador, whose life’s work continues to enrich Lebanon’s civilizational heritage.
Behind the White Coat: A Tribute to Mrs. Claire Mansour
Alongside the distinguished medical journey of Dr. Antoine Mansour lies a life woven with threads of faith, love, devotion, and enduring family bonds. At the heart of this journey stands Mrs. Claire Mansour, the noble, faithful wife, steadfast companion, and constant source of strength.
Dr. Antoine and Mrs. Claire Mansour
A Portrait of Grace and Generosity
Mrs. Claire Mansour, has played a pivotal role in shaping Dr. Antoine’s professional and humanitarian path, with a quiet grace that speaks louder than words. She embodies the essence of a woman whose presence is serene, whose heart is generous, and whose spirit radiates warmth and compassion.
With profound humility and a tenderness that touches souls, she has impacted countless lives in ways often unseen, yet deeply felt and eternally remembered. She never seeks the spotlight, yet she is always present, offering sincere support, kind words, and unwavering encouragement born of pure love.
Her generosity is not measured in material terms, but in the depth of her humanity and spiritual grace. She has been described as “the silent pillar”, leading not with words, but with actions. The beauty of her presence lies in a character that pulses with mercy, overflows with quiet strength, and glows with an inner light that never fades.
This tribute is but a humble gesture of gratitude in the face of her profound presence and dignified spirit, a reminder that true giving needs no noise, only a heart that loves in silence and lights the way for others.
Together, they raised two accomplished daughters who followed in the footsteps of their father in healthcare:
Marie, a board certified specialist in orthodontics who also has her MBA degree and is an assistant professor at Loma Linda University and has a private practice with her sister Natalie in Glendale, California.
Natalie, a board certified specialist in pediatric dentistry. She is married to Gregory Brown and the proud mother of two children, Grant and Hope, ensuring the continuation of the Mansour legacy.
For Dr. Mansour, family and faith are both sources of sanctuary and inspiration, and he takes immense pride in seeing his daughters reflect the same values of discipline, compassion, and excellence that have shaped his own life.
In his free time, Dr. Mansour spent his time and resources as a board member for the Foundation of True Life in God and traveling on pilgrimages with True Life In God, whose main focus is ecumenism as well as charity via the Beth Myriams, centers that are located in 25 countries to provide food, education, and healthcare for those in need, a cause close to Dr. Mansour’s heart.
The Manaour Family
Exclusive Q&A with Dr. Antoine Mansour
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Q: Dr. Mansour, what does turning 90 mean to you?
A: It’s a milestone, yes, but more than that, it’s a reminder of how precious time is when spent in service to others. -
Q: You’re still practicing medicine. What keeps you going?
A: Faith and Purpose. Faith gets you through the difficult moments of life professionally and personally. When you know your work matters, you don’t count the years, you count the lives you’ve touched. -
Q: What’s the most important lesson medicine has taught you?
A: That healing is not just physical. There is a God that is the author of all healing and I am just an instrument. -
Q: How do you feel about your daughters’ following careers in dentistry?
A: I’m proud beyond words. They chose paths of healing, and they do it with integrity. That’s all a father could hope for. -
Q: What do you miss most about Lebanon?
A: The spirit. The warmth of the people and the sense of belonging. Lebanon lives in my heart. -
Q: What advice do you give young doctors today?
A: Master the science, but never forget the soul. Medicine is a human art, it begins with empathy. -
Q: How do you balance family and medicine?
A: With gratitude. Claire and my daughters have always understood that medicine is a calling. Their love is my anchor. -
Q: What are some of your proudest moments as a doctor?
A: The successful management of difficult surgical cases that lead to patient gratitude. -
Q: In your opinion, what are the key elements to leading a healthy life?
A: Balance is key. Regular physical activity, a well-balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and managing stress. But mental health is equally important. Keeping positive relationships, pursuing things you love, and staying intellectually active are just as essential as physical care. For this reason, I am currently pursuing a degree in law. It is my value to keep my brain active as part of my plan to age well. -
Q: How should people approach preventive healthcare?
A: Prevention is always better than treatment. Regular checkups and screening tests, including regular blood work are the foundations. But people must also listen to their bodies. If something feels wrong, it’s essential to seek help early. Prevention starts with awareness. -
Q: What advice would you give to people struggling with stress or anxiety?
A: Stress is a silent killer. It weakens the immune system and accelerates aging. I always tell my patients to take time to unwind, whether through prayer and meditation, spending time with loved ones, or simply taking a walk. It’s important to give the mind and body time to reset. -
Q: How important is diet in maintaining overall health, and what foods should people focus on?
A: Nutrition is the foundation of good health. A diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins supports our body's systems. Avoiding processed foods, sugar, and excessive salt is crucial. I always encourage people to eat in moderation and to make healthy choices when it comes to food. -
Q: We often hear about the importance of sleep. How critical is it, and what are the best practices for getting quality rest?
A: Sleep is when your body does most of its healing. It allows the brain to rest and the body to repair itself. Aim for 7-8 hours a night, and try to keep a regular sleep schedule. Avoid screens before bedtime, create a calming routine, and make sure your sleep environment is conducive to rest, cool, dark, and quiet. -
Q: How do you stay physically active at your age?
A: I believe in the saying, "Use it or lose it." I try to keep active, even with simple exercises like walking or stretching. It’s essential to stay in motion, not just for physical health, but for mental clarity too. The body and mind thrive when they’re engaged. -
Q: What’s the best way to maintain a strong immune system, especially as we age?
A: A strong immune system relies on a combination of factors: good nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate rest, and minimizing stress. I also recommend people stay hydrated, avoid smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and, if possible, maintain a healthy weight. In some cases, supplements might help, but always consult with a healthcare professional first. -
Q: Do you believe that emotional well-being is as important as physical health?
A: Absolutely. The two are interconnected. If your emotional health is suffering, it affects your physical health. Negative emotions, prolonged stress, and unresolved grief can lead to various health problems. That’s why having a good support system and practicing mental health care, just as we do physical health, is so important.
A Legacy That Inspires
As Dr. Mansour celebrates his 90th birthday, Beirut Times honors not just the years he has lived but the lives he has uplifted. His journey reminds us that age is not a limit but a testament, and that true healing begins with the heart.
From Cairo, to Beirut, where he met his beautiful wife Claire, to Los Angeles, from operating rooms to political celebrations and dinners, Dr. Antoine Mansour remains a beacon of wisdom, compassion, and quiet strength. His life is not just a legacy of medical excellence but a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the world and the generations that follow.
Happy 90th, Dr. Mansour. Your legacy is woven into the fabric of every life you’ve touched, and it continues to inspire across generations.
This tribute encapsulates the enduring spirit and extraordinary contributions of Dr. Antoine Mansour, and serves as a reminder of the values that define exceptional doctors and humanitarians worldwide.
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