Honoring Dr. Ikuo Hirano

We are deeply saddened to share the news that Dr. Ikuo Hirano, a trusted APFED medical advisor and pioneer in the field of eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease, has passed away.

Dr. Hirano was Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and was Program Director for Gastroenterology Fellowship. He had more than 30 years of experience and was an author of more than 200 scientific papers and textbook chapters and conducted many clinical trials in our quest for treatment options.

Dr. Hirano also made many incredible strides for advancing care for adults with EGID, significantly contributing to the way EGIDs are studied, diagnosed, and managed today. He was passionate about awareness of these conditions among the health care community, and teaching both medical colleagues and patients how to recognize, diagnose and optimally treat these diseases.

A fierce advocate for patients, Dr. Hirano was kind and generous with both his time and talent. He will be missed, but fondly remembered, and will continue to leave his mark on the world through both his life’s accomplishments and his impact on those he helped. Our thoughts and hearts are with all those who loved Dr. Hirano. His legacy will live on through our unwavering effort to advance APFED’s mission to educate, advocate, and advance research.