Banov, Leon, 1914-2007

Leon Banov Jr. was born December 19, 1914 in Charleston, South Carolina. Banov graduated from the College of Charleston in 1937 with a B.S. degree in History, and later from the Medical University of South Carolina with a M.D. in 1941. After internships, assistances, and residencies in Baltimore, Washington, and Cleveland, Banov returned home to Charleston where he practiced proctology for the next 55 years. Banov had an appointment as Clinical Professor Emeritus of Surgery at MUSC, and was on the surgical staff of the Saint Francis Xavier Hospital, Charleston Memorial Hospital, Roper Hospital, and Baker Hospital. He was president of the following societies: Waring Library Society (1977-79), Piedmont Proctological Society (1964-65), Charleston County Medical Society (1975-76), and the Coastal Medical Society (1970-72). Banov was also a member of many other societies and associations including the South Carolina Medical Association, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, American Medical Association, and numerous others. He also was a member of the Rotary Club of Charleston and helped to found the Bank of South Carolina. Not only was Banov an active member in his community, but he also played a part in the medical field nationally when he was elected to the Food and Drug Administrative Panel regarding hemorrhoidal drugs in 1973. He continued to play a part in this research project, testifying to the National Commission of Digestive Diseases in 1978. He was a prolific historian in the area of proctology, with more than 60 published scientific and medical history articles. He was an active member in the Jewish community, and not long after his wife of 58 years, Rita, Leon Banov died on March 26, 2007 in Charleston, SC.

In 1824, Charleston journalist Isaac Harby organized the Reformed Society of Israelites to promote changes to Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim's Orthodox congregation, giving birth to Reform Judaism in America. In November 1974, K.K.B.E. congregation celebrated Reform Judaism's Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary and the efforts of Isaac Harby.

Organized by Dr. and Mrs. Leon Banov, Jr., the commemorative weekend (Nov. 22-24) featured religious services, receptions and lectures by Reform Judaism leaders Rabbi Malcolm H. Stern and Rabbi Sanford Shapiro. Many of Isaac Harby's descendents traveled to Charleston from across the globe to take part in the events and tribute to their ancestor.