Our Founder

Dr. Forbes was a compassionate physician, who was dedicated to her patients becoming Norfolk General’s first female resident, and eventually chief resident of OB/GYN.

In 1958, she became the first female physician to open a private OB/GYN practice in Newport News, in which she successfully and lovingly practiced.

Dr. Forbes was the first woman to be selected to the board, and the first female president, of the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula, where she was honored as a member of the “Wall of Fame” – the first and only woman to be so honored in the club’s 65-year history.

Served the Community She Loved

Sarah was often honored for her contributions to the organizations she served, and the community she loved.

Among her many awards were the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities’ Humanitarian Award in 2007, and the Medallion Award which is the highest recognition presented by The Boys and Girls Club of America to volunteers.

She served as president of several community organizations that include the Virginia Peninsula Academy of Medicine, the Newport News Chapter of the American Cancer Society, the Newport News Medical Society, and the Peninsula Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Supported Many Organizations

Her concern for her patients, affection for animals, and love for the community lead her to support many organizations.

Her generosity benefited many organizations, including the Cancer Society, the Newport News Medical Society, the Peninsula Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,  Family Planning Council, First Baptist Church of Newport News, the Peninsula SPCA, Mariners’ Museum, Riverside Hospital, and Christopher Newport University.

Continuing Dr. Forbes’ Legacy

All of our vacation homes are owned by Sarah E. Forbes MD, Trust which continues her legacy by using our profits to make regular donations to the charities she loved.                    

We take care of the houses like she would have wanted.