We are sad to share news of the passing of Robert James “Jim” Hegeman, MD, late last month. A graduate of our residency program and former faculty member in the Division of General Internal Medicine, Dr. Hegeman was a long-time and beloved colleague, mentor, and friend to many in the department.
The Department extends our condolences to his family, including his wife, Rebecca Hegeman, MD, who served as Interim Division Director of Nephrology and Hypertension for many years.
You can read the obituary, detailing his remarkable life, here.
Those who remember him best have been sharing memories here.
Jim was so kind to me as a new faculty in internal medicine. I would run to grab him if I was unsure about a patient diagnosis in acute care. He would reassure or redirect me without making me feel dumb! He was also so honest in meetings. I loved his direct nature. I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to know and work with him.
Another faculty member wrote to us to say:
Dr. Hegeman was a mentor to me both as a medical student and early in my career in primary care. I will always remember the sincere, practical approach he took to medicine. I am grateful for all I learned from him.
The family will host a celebration of Dr. Hegeman’s life at an open house on Friday, September 29, from 4 to 8 pm. Contact Lisa Novak for the location.