Bruce Bacon, professor emeritus of internal medicine | St. Louis University
Bruce Bacon, professor emeritus of internal medicine | St. Louis University
Bruce Bacon, M.D., a prominent figure in the field of hepatology and professor emeritus of internal medicine, passed away on July 6, 2025, at the age of 75. Dr. Bacon was widely recognized for his contributions to liver disease treatment and research.
Dr. Bacon played a significant role in discovering the gene for hemochromatosis (HFE) in 1996, a genetic disorder characterized by excessive iron absorption and storage. He also led national clinical trials that resulted in new treatments for hepatitis C. His expertise attracted patients worldwide seeking care for liver diseases.
"To friends, patients, and colleagues, he was a great human being and physician," said Wing-Kin Syn, M.D., Ph.D., co-director of the Saint Louis University Liver Center.
Dr. Bacon's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Wooster in 1971, followed by a medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1975. He held various academic positions before joining Saint Louis University (SLU) in 1990 as a professor of internal medicine and director of gastroenterology and hepatology.
At SLU, Dr. Bacon collaborated with Adrian M. Di Bisceglie, M.D., to establish the Saint Louis University Liver Center in 1994. The center gained international recognition for its work on hepatitis C treatment.
"Dr. Bacon was a close personal friend," said Di Bisceglie, professor emeritus at SLU.
The Liver Center's efforts included treating country singer Naomi Judd for hepatitis C, who credited Dr. Bacon with her recovery.
"Dr. Bacon was revered by his patients," noted Brent Tetri, M.D., co-director of the Liver Center.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Bacon made significant contributions to research on hemochromatosis and metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
"He described MASLD for us," Di Bisceglie remarked about Dr. Bacon's pioneering work.
Dr. Bacon served as president of AASLD in 2004 and contributed significantly to transplant hepatology as a subspecialty. He received numerous accolades throughout his career and authored over 350 publications.
Brent Tetri highlighted Dr. Bacon's mentorship: "I readily attribute my success...to his generous willingness."
Dr. Bacon retired from SLU in 2020 but left behind an enduring legacy through initiatives like the Friends of the Saint Louis University Liver Center nonprofit organization supporting ongoing research at SLU.
A Celebration of Life will be held on September 20 at Hilton St. Louis Frontenac to honor Dr. Bacon's memory.
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