I am saddened to report that Jerome H. Herman, MD, died on August 30, 2009. For those of you who had the pleasure of knowing Jerry, but especially for those who didn’t, I wanted to share a little bit about this extraordinary man. Jerry was indeed an exceptional rheumatologist, a true physician, and a kind and giving man. After a long and fruitful career as a clinician-researcher, Jerry spent the last part of his career as a full-time emeritus professor providing exceptional care for our veterans here at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, managing the clinic’s operations, and, for a time, even traveling across the state on certain days to care for veterans in parts of Ohio where there was no rheumatologist available. He did this for no other reason than that there were patients who needed care and he was in a position to provide it. Although he was visibly ill and obviously suffering for the past two years, his work ethic kept him coming in to care for his patients and to train students, residents, and fellows with amazing vigor until nearly the end. Unbelievably, his last day in clinic was only two weeks before his death, when the discomfort and weakness finally got the better of him and required him to seek end-of-life care. I feel truly honored to have worked with and known Jerry. His influence through the many physicians he helped train will be felt for years to come, and he will be sorely missed.
Peter J. Embi, MD, MS
Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine
University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center
