Memorial bench installed under a shade tree so the employees could remember a popular doctor at their facility

What better way to honor an individual than with a memorial bench located in a grassy, shaded area where people can sit and be reminded of that person on a regular basis?

That's what the employees of the Forbes Family Medicine Residency Program in Monroeville, PA can do on a bench they purchased to honor one of their physicians.

"We decided upon the bench because the doctor was such a vital part of our department, that we wanted something that could remind us of him for many years to come," said Gina Sacco, Recruiting and Medical Student Coordinator, who ordered the bench for the department.

The Forbes Family Medicine Residency Program was established in 1978 and is a training program in Pittsburgh. They offer clinical experience in all aspects of family medicine including obstetrics, pediatrics and inpatient pediatrics in one location. The training hospital also provides osteopathic training.

The residency program emphasizes community outreach, leadership development, integrating medical and behavioral health, and comprehensive programs in LGBTQ care, correctional health and integrated medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction.

Memorial bench pays tribute to physician

The memorial bench is a six-foot metal bench with a perforated metal surface that stays cool in the summer and let's rain or liquids pass through. A gold plaque sits in the middle of the seat back.

Gina said the bench was installed in a green space outside their medical office under a great, big beautiful tree.

"This bench is very special to us," she said. "We sit outside on it all the time during the warm weather."

At the Park and Facilities Catalog, we see more and more people choose to use a memorial bench as a way to commemorate a loved one who has passed.

The bench is a highly visible item, seen every day, 24 hours a day and also provides a pleasant place for the public to relax.

"Any time someone sits on the bench, they will absolutely think of him," Gina added.

The doctor was fond of the sea, according to Gina, who said they had drawings of seashells engraved on the plaque along with his name. They also placed a terracotta snail from the doctor's garden next to the bench as well.

This is certainly a very nice tribute for a man who was a vital part of the Forbes Family Medicine Residency.

It's pleasing to see how the team celebrated a fellow employee's life with a memorial bench where they can regularly be reminded of his service and the time they spent with him.

"The bench is of great quality and will certainly withstand the Pittsburgh weather," Gina said. "It has been such a nice addition to our grassy area under the tree. The bench is sturdy and heavy enough that several of us can sit on the bench together. We are so happy with our choice."