In Memoriam: Ikuo Hirano, MD, AGAF

This article was written by Nirmala Gonsalves, MD, David A. Katzka, MD, AGAF, and John E. Pandolfino, MD.

On Monday morning, July 22, 2024, Dr. Ikuo Hirano passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. A brilliant physician and clinical researcher, Dr. Hirano was an AGA and physician leader in so many ways. A graduate of Yale College and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Ikuo spent his almost his entire faculty career at Northwestern. Rising to the role of Professor of Medicine, he directed the fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology training generations of future gastroenterologists. As the director of the Kenneth C. Griffin Esophageal Center, he directed one of the foremost esophageal centers in the world with luminaries such as John Pandolfino, Peter Kahrilas, Nirmala Gonsalves and Dustin Carlson.

As a clinical researcher, Ikuo's name was synonymous with eosinophilic esophagitis. As an early pioneer in the disease, Dr. Hirano helped define the field over two decades. Ikuo was one of the primary investigators on critical trials evaluating topical steroids and biologics for the treatment of EoE eventually leading to some of our FDA approved medications. He was a champion for the disease, writing over 200 peer reviewed papers, participating in every major EoE guideline, and lecturing nationally and internationally on a regular basis.

Indeed, Ikuo relished the opportunities to teach and interact with colleagues in the GI community. Dr. Hirano was a long running Vice Chair of the Esophageal, Gastric and Duodenal (EGD) Section, leading it to one of the highest levels of popularity and enthusiasm at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW). At the 2024 AGA meeting, he was named the Research Mentor of the Year for the EGD Section. Dr. Hirano was also a force in education. In addition to his mentorship at Northwestern, he attracted mentees from all over the world. For AGA and with his extensive experience in teaching, Ikuo was a visionary and driving force on the Education and Training Committee. Ikuo was a perennial member of the editorial board for Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

But with all these accomplishments, Dr. Hirano will be missed most for the person he was. He was quiet, unassuming, humble, kind and inquisitive. His support of colleagues and drive to make everyone around him better was a constant theme. Indeed, Dr. Hirano remains an example of how a gentle soul can still achieve so much and be the leader we all wish to be. He will be dearly missed.