SAN ANTONIO – The president of UT Health San Antonio, William L. Henrich, died Thursday morning, officials with the health system confirmed.
He was 77 years old.
In February, Henrich announced to faculty, staff and students that he would be away from his post to receive medical treatments for a rare form of blood cancer called myelodysplasia.
He died from unexpected complications of a stem cell transplantation, UT Health officials said. It was the second time he’d had such a procedure. Henrich underwent a successful stem-cell transplant using his son’s stem cells 12 years ago.
During his leave, the chancellor appointed Dr. Rob Hromas, the dean of the Long School of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs, to serve as acting president of UT Health San Antonio.
Henrich served as president of UT Health San Antonio since 2009. Before that, he was Dean of the School of Medicine and Vice President for Medical Affairs at UT Health San Antonio.
“In his 15 years as president, Dr. Henrich transformed UT Health San Antonio into a top-ranked academic health center, with world-class programs in cancer, obesity and diabetes, dementia and aging,” a statement from UT Health San Antonio stated.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, their two children and five grandchildren.
Memorial services for Henrich are expected to be announced soon.
“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.”
According to his online biography, Henrich received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine. He completed a residency in Internal Medicine at The University of Oregon Medical School and a fellowship in Nephrology at The University of Colorado School of Medicine.
He was a professor of medicine at The University of Texas Southwestern School of Medicine, The Medical College of Ohio, and The University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.
He authored more than 300 articles and chapters and was the founding editor of the popular dialysis textbook, “Henrich’s Principles and Practice of Dialysis.”
He was most recently focused on improving dialysis and vascular renal disease.
Henrich also served as a special trustee on the Texas Biomed Board of Trustees.
“We have lost a giant in our community and on the national stage. Bill has been a driving force in the elevation in stature of our city’s premier medical school – his leadership literally made lives better,” said Dr. Larry Schlesinger, President & CEO, Texas Biomedical Research Institute. “So many at Texas Biomed know and have been inspired by Bill and his dedication to research and education. We will move forward with ways to honor his legacy as a friend and collaborator.
“On a personal level, this is an incredibly sad day for my wife Judy and I. Bill has been more than a colleague. He has been a genuine, caring friend to us since we moved to San Antonio. It was Bill who stayed in close contact with me throughout my own cancer ordeal, and I know that he has helped so many in similar situations. Consequently, I feel a tremendous loss. We wish strength for Mary and the entire Henrich family during this very difficult time,” Schlesinger said.