The pulmonary hypertension community lost a Giant today. I met Dr. Ahearn in the end of 2003. He was leaving Duke where he had trained and was working as an attending physician on the pulmonary hypertension team. He and I were moving to Phoenix to join a small pulmonary group named Arizona Pulmonary Specialists. We started in the first part of 2004 and toiled together in the intensive care units and worked to build what would become one of the largest pulmonary hypertension programs in the entire country.
Greg was loved by his patients. He had a wonderful ability to hang in with them through long and complex illnesses. His easy-going nature put patients at ease. Patients readily forgave him when he switched around his schedule at the last minute to attend an important swimming event with his children. His outstanding care resurrected many patients over the years and his patients were grateful.
Greg’s sense of humor was a source of great pleasure to those around him. His dry delivery allowed him to be sneaky funny. When you least expected him to make a hilarious observation he would unload. His political commentary was a source of sustenance for many of us through the COVID pandemic.
Greg had a few passions. He loved his family, music and Ruth. He beamed with pride as his daughter became a powerhouse swimmer. Greg’s close friends new that Greg had a small obsession with fine guitars. It was not uncommon for him to go on vacation and come back with a great tan and a new guitar. In the past decade, the biggest event in Greg’s life was his relationship with Ruth. He adored her and we watched as his being became filled with joy around her.
Work partnerships are like a marriage. For 20 years I worked all day, every day with Greg. I was so fortunate to have a partner that was supportive, smart, funny and never put ego first. Greg touched the lives of thousands of patients. He was a kind and considerate man who gave much to the community.
I will miss my friend and partner.
