It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Dr Anton (Tony) N. Hasso, MD, Emeritus Professor and former Chair of Radiology at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), who peacefully departed on March 6, 2024, at the age of 83.
Dr Hasso became an integral part of the UCI family in 1996, leaving an indelible mark as Chair of Radiological Sciences, following a distinguished career at Loma Linda. His legacy is one of philanthropy, leadership, and profound influence on the growth of the Radiological Sciences Department.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr Hasso held esteemed positions, including serving as President of the American Society of Neuroradiology, the American Society of Head and Neck Radiology, and the Western Neuroradiological Society. He was a founding member of the World Federation of Neuroradiological Societies and its inaugural treasurer. Additionally, he contributed significantly to the American Roentgen Ray Society and held the presidency of the California Radiological Society.
A pioneer in neuroradiology, Dr Hasso’s influence extended beyond academic achievements. His expertise in head and neck and MR imaging is evident in 6 authored textbooks, more than 140 peer-reviewed publications, and contributions to more than 70 book chapters. He served on the Diagnostic Imaging Study Section at the National Institutes of Health and represented the Council of Medical Education of the American Medical Association on the Diagnostic Radiology Residency Review Committee. Later in his career and into retirement, Dr Hasso took a keen interest in vascular lesions, contributing significantly to the Vascular Birthmark Foundation.
Dr Hasso was not only a distinguished professional but also a cherished mentor and educator. A reflection from a former trainee and now faculty member captures Dr Hasso’s teaching style: “As a third-year medical student looking for any project, Dr Hasso gave me a book chapter to write. I had asked for a case report, of course. As I spent three months in a small office next to his, he guided me through this project that I was sure was beyond me. Every meeting was a smile and a laugh and a point toward a reference to fix my mistakes. That is how he taught. A smile, a laugh, and advice.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr Hasso was a warm and compassionate individual, always willing to share his wealth of information and time generously. His untimely departure leaves a void in our community, and he will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dr Hasso received his BSc degree from La Sierra University and his MD from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California. His academic journey included an internship at the University of Southern California Medical Center, a radiology residency at the White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles, and a cardiovascular radiology fellowship at Loma Linda University. Notably, he furthered his expertise through a National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke Special Fellowship in Neuroradiology at the University of California Los Angeles Center for Health Sciences and a postdoctoral fellowship in orbital and ear, nose, and throat radiology at the Foundation A. De Rothschild in Paris, France.
Dr. Hasso was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Fritzsche, also a visionary and leader in radiology and mammography, in 2009. Together, they raised 2 sons. Dr Hasso is survived by his significant other, Jean Tonn.
Our community will remember this extraordinary, courageous, and remarkable human being.
- © 2024 by American Journal of Neuroradiology