Ikuo Hirano

Ikuo Hirano, MD, beloved husband of Pin Lin, MD, loving father to Sydney, a distinguished physician, researcher, and beloved mentor, passed away on July 22nd, 2024, at the age of 60.
Born on October 1st, 1963, in New York City to Asao and Keiko Hirano. Dr. Hirano earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University and his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Hirano was a professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. He also held the position as the director of Northwestern Medicine Kenneth C. Griffin Esophageal Center. For more than two decades, he dedicated his clinical and academic interests to esophageal diseases and eosinophilic esophagitis, becoming a leading authority in these fields. His groundbreaking research in eosinophilic esophagitis led to the development of many of the diagnostic algorithms in use today and his clinical trial research ushered in new approaches targeting the underlying mechanism of the disease. His teaching and scholarly activity earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Mentor of the Year award in Gastroenterology, which he received just this year at Digestive Diseases Week.
Dr. Hirano's legacy extends beyond his scientific achievements. He was a diligent and extremely compassionate physician who went above and beyond for his patients. He was an amazing friend and inspiration to his colleagues with his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering dedication.
Dr. Hirano is survived by his wife, Pin Lin and their daughter, Sydney, his mother Keiko, his brothers Michio and Shigeo, and his sister Yoko, as well as his nieces and nephews.
Visitation Sunday, July 28, 2024, from 10AM until 12PM, at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Avenue, Chicago. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the The Seena Magowitz Foundation in Dr. Hirano's honor.
For info, www.smithcorcoran.com or 773-736-3833.