A Tribute to Past AASLD President and Inaugural AASLD Foundation Chair Dr. Bruce Bacon, MD, FAASLD 

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of one of hepatology’s greatest giants.  In any field there are those who participate, those who contribute and those who lead.  Dr. Bruce Bacon, MD, FAASLD, was an extraordinary example of all three.  For 35 years, Dr. Bacon dedicated himself to Saint Louis University, where he not only built but also led the academic and clinical Division of Gastroenterology for over two decades. In 2003, he founded the preeminent Liver Center at SLU, a testament to his visionary leadership.  Dr. Bacon’s scientific contributions during this time were both groundbreaking and enduring. From 1982 to 2007, his National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded research on iron-induced hepatotoxicity and hepatic fibrogenesis set new benchmarks in the field. In 1996, he was the clinical leader of the team that discovered the gene for hemochromatosis, a milestone in medical genetics. As a clinician, he was among the first to identify and describe Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (now known as MASLD- Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), paving the way for advancements in understanding and treatment of this complex disease. His exceptional contributions were recognized with the AASLD Distinguished Service Award in 2010, the highest honor in hepatology. 

Dr. Bacon joined AASLD in 1983 and served the organization over the next 42 years.  As President in 2004, Dr. Bacon played an instrumental role in guiding the organization and elevating its strategic direction and influence within the hepatology field.   His  dedication to the future generation was apparent in his work to develop the AASLD Foundation where he served as Chair from 2015-2019.  His vision provided the overarching mission and early momentum of the Foundation with his goal to provide support for research as well as early career development in the field. 

A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Bacon was widely respected for his generosity of spirit, thoughtful guidance, and unwavering support of the next generation of liver health professionals. Over his career he mentored countless individuals, many of whom went on to highly successful careers of their own.   It was Dr. Bacon’s vision to codify hepatology as a subspecialty.  He was the principal hepatologist in the negotiations with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education that lead to the establishment of board certification in Transplant Hepatology.  Dr. Bacon served as the first chair of the ABIM/ABP writing committee, creating the pool of questions for the first board exam.  This development would change the face of education of hepatologists in the U.S.   

His mentorship left a lasting imprint on colleagues, trainees, and leaders across the field.  The outpouring of love and gratitude are witnessed by the words of some of our AASLD leaders and members: 

• “Bruce was a good friend and a champion of the science and practice of Hepatology. His many contributions accelerated our progress, and so many trainees and Hepatologists were beneficiaries of his encouragement of their work.” – Dr. John Moore Vierling 
• “Bruce was a remarkable leader who left a deep impression on all of us who had the privilege to work with him.” – Dr. Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao 
• “His contributions to the hepatology field are quite remarkable. An amazing career and life.” – Dr. Norah Terrault 
• “What a great person and such an important influence in our field and organization. Always a positive force in any setting.” – Dr. Keith Lindor 
   

On a personal note, I attribute many opportunities in my career to his mentorship and guidance.  I had the opportunity to serve with Bruce on the first ABIM board where he was always quick to lead a lively discussion of what the correct answer to the question might be!  As the current Foundation Chair, I feel his guiding hand and the legacy of unwavering support for our field and for the many individuals who train and explore the new ideas which continue to move Hepatology forward.  There is one thing I know for certain… Hepatology has enjoyed the dedication, leadership, mentorship, and friendship of Dr. Bacon for over 4 decades.  He truly was a giant in our field and will be missed by us all.   

Written By: 

Kimberly Brown, MD, FAASLD 

Chair, AASLD Foundation