The man who presided over UT Health San Antonio for 15 years, during which it became a top-ranked academic health center, has died.
Dr. William Henrich, 77, died Thursday of complications from a stem cell transplant that he received to fight a rare form of blood cancer called myelodysplasia.
It was his second stem cell transplant. The first was in 2012 when cells donated by his son saved his life.
Henrich reflected on that experience during a luncheon in 2018, and how a kind nurse had given him hope. He said then that everyone has that kind of power.
“Just by putting your hand on someone’s shoulder and saying 'This is gonna be OK. We got this.' Do it. Don’t miss the chance to do that,” he said.
Henrich grew up in Dallas. He graduated from Columbia University and earned his medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine. He became a kidney specialist who wrote a textbook on dialysis, and, in 2009, he was selected to be president of UT Health Science Center San Antonio.
During his time at the helm of UT Health San Antonio, Henrich transformed that institution into what is now — a complex of interconnected academic and research institutions with world-class programs in cancer, dementia and aging, obesity, diabetes, and many other disciplines.
Many of his peers and colleagues shared their feelings about Henrich’s life, work, and death on social media.
Dr. Sudha Seshadri, the director of the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases, remembered Henrich as an "inspirational leader, clinician, scientist and gentleman ... warm, caring, funny, kind, wise, articulate, a dreamer and a builder, a visionary with the creativity, passion and persistence to bring his dreams to life. ..."
Larry Schelsinger, the president and CEO of Texas Biomed, wrote that "We have lost a giant in our community and on the national stage. ... So many at Texas Biomed know and have been inspired by Bill and his dedication to research, healthcare and education."
Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, a professor and chair of rehabilitation medicine UT Health San Antonio, mourned that “[t]his is a huge loss. Dr. Bill Henrich was a visionary and so accomplished. But most importantly, he was kind and exceptionally supportive of everyone.”
Henrich went on medical leave earlier this year to fight his cancer. Since then, Dr. Rob Hromas, dean of the Long School of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs, served as acting president.
“Today, we mourn the loss of a beloved leader whose compassion and dedication to serving others inspired us all,” Hromas said. “Bill’s legacy of selflessness will continue to guide and uplift us in the days ahead as we work to build on his unyielding commitment to serve others and for the good of our community.”
Henrich is survived by his wife Mary, two children and five grandchildren.
