In Memoriam: Anton (Tony) N. Hasso, MD

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Anton (Tony) N. Hasso, MD, professor emeritus and former chair of the Department of Radiological Sciences, passed away peacefully on March 6 at the age of 83.

Dr. Hasso became an integral part of the UC Irvine family in 1996 when he took the helm as the chair of radiological sciences, following a distinguished career at Loma Linda University. His legacy is one of philanthropy, leadership and profound influence on the growth of the radiological sciences department in the UCI School of Medicine.

Throughout his career, Dr. Hasso held numerous leadership positions, including serving as president of the American Roentgen Ray Society, the American Society of Neuroradiology, the American Society of Head and Neck Imaging, 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 College of Radiology, the American Medical Association, and the Radiological Society of North America. Dr. Hasso was also a leader in several California radiology organizations 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 six authored textbooks, over 150 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 a distinguished professional known as a cherished mentor and educator, locally, nationally and internationally. He served as the division chief of neuroradiology until his retirement but continued teaching until his untimely passing. A reflection from a former trainee and now faculty member captures Dr. Hasso's passion for mentoring and 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 towards a reference to fix my mistakes. That is how he taught. A smile, a laugh and advice."

Dr. Hasso received his BS from La Sierra University and 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 diagnostic and cardiovascular radiology fellowship at Loma Linda University. Notably, he furthered his expertise through a National Institute of Neurologic Diseases and Stroke Special Fellowship in Neuroradiology at the UCLA Center for Health Sciences and a postdoctoral fellowship in orbital and ear-nose-throat radiology at the Foundation A. De Rothschild in Paris, France.

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 was preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Peggy F. Hasso, also a visionary and leader in radiology and breast imaging, in 2009. He is survived by his two sons, Stephen and Martin, daughter-in-law, Muriel, grandson, Leo, and his significant other, Jean Tonn.