Robert S. Bar, MD, 1943-2025
The Department of Internal Medicine extends its condolences to the colleagues, friends, and family of Robert Bar, MD, who passed away last Sunday at the age of 81. Bar was a member of the Division of Endocrinology for 48 years, treating patients and teaching residents, students, and fellows both in University of Iowa Health Care and at the Iowa City VA Health System. His impact on diabetes research as well as the education of endocrinologists is still felt in the department today. One correspondent wrote, “He was one of the best—a sweet, brilliant, brave, kind man we all were honored to know.”
Bar served as Director of the Endocrinology Fellowship Program from 1979 to 2003, as Interim Director of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism from 1985 to 1990, and then as Division Director from 1990 to 2002. Bar was also the Director of the NIH-funded Diabetes-Endocrinology Research Center (DERC) at the University of Iowa for 16 years, as well as Director of the VA/Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Research Center (DRC), at the Iowa City VA.
He received his medical degree, along with an MS in biochemistry, at The Ohio State University, after which he completed a fellowship at the Diabetes Branch in the NIH’s NIAMMD (now the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases). Bar’s most significant impact was in advancing understanding of insulin action at the cellular level. His research focused on alterations in the function of endothelial cells in diabetes mellitus, hormone receptor regulation in tissue and cell culture, insulin receptor function in human disease states, and the role of insulin, insulin-like growth factors, & IGF binding proteins in the function of human endothelial cells. Over his career, he published 90 articles in academic peer-reviewed journals. At various times since 1987, he served as editor for Endocrinology, Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism, American Journal of Physiology: Endocrinology & Metabolism, and the textbook Endocrine Disease: Early Diagnosis and Treatment. He was also the recipient or finalist for the medical-student nominated M3/M4 Teacher of the Year nine times between 1985 and 1996.
After he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Bar stepped down from his various leadership roles, but he continued to engage with the interests that shaped his career. In later years, he moved to Philadelphia with his wife Laurel to be nearer their two children.
Many of our current and recent emeritus faculty cite Bar as a critical influence on their careers. We are grateful for their responses to our request for contributions.
Bob was division director when I started here in 1987. He took over from Daryl Graner, when Daryl left a year or two before I arrived, and continued as director until illness limited his work which I think was 2003 or close to. He published many manuscripts and significantly advanced our early knowledge of insulin action at the cellular level. He was a generous and caring person, highly respected, intelligent, and a great leader. He was also a great athlete.
– William Sivitz, MD
In his academic career, Bob Bar was a respected researcher, teacher, and devoted clinician. What set him apart was that Bob genuinely and deeply enjoyed his interactions with patients and staff alike, and made a lasting difference in their lives. His unique interest and joy in people served as a model for all who knew him.
– Robert Spanheimer, MD
Dr. Robert Bar had a long and illustrious career at the University of Iowa with the Department of Internal Medicine and Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism. After his early professional years at the Ohio State University and NIH he joined the Department of Medicine as an Assistant Professor in 1977, was quickly promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 1982, and to Professor in 1986. . . . In addition to [his] important administrative positions, Bob was an excellent clinician caring for patients at our university and at the Iowa City VAMC. He was also a wonderful mentor training young physicians and research investigators and recognized as senior medical student Teacher of the Year, College of Medicine (1989, 1992). He also received nominations for several other teaching awards. As a care provider Bob spent quality time with his patients demonstrating care and understanding of their problems and sharing stories over a wide range of topics. Bob was appreciated as a role model for many residents, fellows, and young faculty. As a scientist Bob excelled as a leader and expert in diabetes and the action of insulin like growth factors. Over his career as a scientist Bob earned awards from many agencies including the National Institutes of Health, Veterans Affairs, American Diabetes Association, and International Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. As teammates, we found that Bob excelled on the golf course and softball fields.
Bob was a valuable mentor and friend. He had a major impact on development of my career and was always an inspiration. I enjoyed our informal meetings and discussions in the hall of the 3rd floor of the VA that occurred daily. His passing has left a void that cannot be filled.
– Mark Yorek, PhD
Throughout my time as a faculty member in the Department of Internal Medicine (1983-1994), Bob Bar was a close friend and valued colleague. I remember him especially for the energy and enthusiasm that he brought to essentially everything he did. Smart, clever, dedicated, and highly motivated, he brought excitement and engagement to the Department. He loved what he did and was very good at it – patient care, research, mentoring, program administration. He gave me lots of good advice about program development, navigating the VA system, and life in general. And what a terrific sense of humor he had – so many good laughs. Bob was such a good guy – loved by all for his kind ways, gentle spirit, generosity, and enduring friendship. I am saddened by his passing and shall miss him a great deal.
– Robert Clark, MD, MACP
On Sunday, March 2, at 10 am (EST), a memorial service will be held in Pennsylvania and live-streamed on Zoom. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Nature Conservancy, or a charity of your choice.
Had the joy as a VA Research administrator to work with Bob from 1983 until….Me with no scientific background. We met and enjoyed the company of each other. He taught me much and I would reciprocate by doing administrative what ever I could to help. To help the programs he led. He always showed appreciation of my efforts. He was one who would call and ask me to come to his office to discuss whatever. And, I did out of our respect for each other.