Hugo E. Jasin, MD (1933-2017) Save

Hugo E. Jasin, M.D., a long-time faculty member at The University of Texas Southwestern Medeical Center and the University of Arkansas College of Medicine, passed away on August 24th, at the age of 84 years.

A native Argentinean, Dr. Jasin received his medical degree from the Buenos Aires University School of Medicine in 1956. He interned and completed his residency in internal medicine at Goldwater Memorial Hospital in New York City and continued his training with a clinical fellowship in rheumatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. Dr. Jasin went on to serve as the prestigious Nuffield Fellow at the MRC Rheumatism Research Unit in Berks, England. 

Dr. Jasin launched a long and highly successful academic career in rheumatology, starting as an instructor in internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 1965. He moved up through the ranks to full professor in 1978. He accrued many honors, including being elected to membership in the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the Association of American Physicians. He was a founding Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

While in Dallas, Hugo met Soledad Herrero-Ducloux whom he married in 1966. They shared a love for good food, classical music, the arts, films, travel, and tennis. They had three children whom they raised in Dallas and encouraged to pursue their education to the furthest extent possible and to explore life with curiosity and joy. Without a doubt, Hugo was very proud of his children's accomplishments.

Hugo and Soledad moved to Little Rock in 1991 when Hugo accepted the position of Chair of the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Arkansas Medical School (UAMS) and also had an appointment at Veteran's Administration Hospital. They created a wonderful life in their newly-adopted hometown, surrounding themselves with new friendships and enjoying all the city has to offer.

After many years as Chair of the Division of Rheumatology at UAMS, Dr. Jasin stepped down as Division Director in 2008 but continued his teaching and research activities at the University.  He continued to receive awards, such as “Best Doctors” awards, the Red Sash Award from UAMS students for exemplary teaching and was elected as a Master of the American College of Rheumatology.

Hugo was well-known and highly respected in his field. He dedicated his life to his research, his trainees and his patients. Hugo had more than a 100 peer reviewed publications and belonged to numerous professional societies. He also had to answer to his children who often asked, when he returned from work, whether he had found the cure to arthritis that day.

An introspective and often quiet man, Hugo was a walking encyclopedia on many subjects, notably classical music. He was also an avid reader of philosophy, science, science fiction and literature. In addition to his intellectual pursuits, Hugo possessed a playful dry wit that took all by surprise.

Hugo is survived by Soledad, his wife of 51 years; his daughters, Claudia (Michael Funk), Gabriela (Charlie Booth III) and Matías; his granddaughters, Sofia and Janay; and his younger brother, Hector "Bubí" Jasin.

The family is honoring Dr. Jasin privately. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice (www.arkansashospice.org) or the Chamber Music Society of Little Rock (www.chambermusiclr.com). 

Please pray for him and his wife, Soledad, and his entire family.