Remembering Dr. William L. Henrich: A Legacy of Compassion and Excellence

The day we heard Dr. Henrich had left us, it hit me hard, like a punch to the gut. It’s comforting to think he’s in heaven making the angels smile, but man, down here? It feels like there’s this big hole he left behind that we’re all tripping over. Every night since, I’ve been trying to get to sleep, but all I can do is lie there thinking about what a giant we’ve lost.

Dr. Henrich wasn’t just some guy talking about helping communities; he was a man of action. His words were measured; when he spoke, you listened. He had this way of making every word count, grabbing your attention, and not letting go. He was more than a big thinker; he was like the glue holding everyone together, way before everyone else started talking about being “together” and “collaborating.” He was way ahead of the curve, making real connections happen when everyone else was just talking the talk.

Bill's life was a testament to his commitment to serving the public good through healing, care, discovery, education, and public service. His personal ethos was not only to heal but to make the precious gifts of life and health accessible to everyone he touched. In his own words, "It is our deep abiding respect for the precious gifts of life and health and our devotion to making—to the extent we can—those essentials available to every single person we have the privilege to touch. That is our mission moving forward. It’s the underlying reason why we work so hard."

Beyond his impressive professional milestones, Bill was a valued mentor, role model and advisor to many, me included. He held a deep respect for the contributions of community-based organizations such as ours, understanding the critical role of collaboration. Bill stood out as an innovative thinker, dedicated to forging strategic plans that embraced communities in their entirety. His approach was invariably inclusive, striving to touch the lives of all individuals in his relentless pursuit of service. It was his steadfast dedication to aiding the underserved and tackling health disparities within the kidney community that led to our paths crossing. The Texas Kidney Foundation and every member of our team have been profoundly enriched by our encounters with Dr. Henrich.

When we launched our radio show, "On the Record with Tiffany and Kevin," aimed at raising awareness about kidney disease, Bill was among our inaugural guests. By all accounts William Henrich, MD was a national healthcare leader, yet he routinely took time to strategize with community advocates and change catalysts. That was just Bill, amazing dedicated, Bill.

Amidst the chaos of a global pandemic, he carved out the time to support our endeavor. He immediately understood and supported our mission aligned goal to deliver reliable information to the public, along with our desire to highlight the underlying conditions making our constituents particularly vulnerable.

The episode can be seen below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOkG_gVjo5Q

Bill was aware of the personal losses my family and I were enduring at the time, behind the scene he approached me as a person and treated me with profound empathy. The medical industry is not known for that especially regarding people of color, but if you knew him, you know Bill wasn't typical of "the industry." He possessed an abundance of genuine human kindness and took meaningful action to end the disparities we see today. In my family's case he refrained from casting judgment and instead, he recognized the pain of the shared common human experience of loss. He is among a handful of people I can name that showed that level of humanity. His compassion and understanding during that challenging period have left an indelible mark on me, solidifying my admiration and respect for him. His commitment to empathy, combined with his dedication to providing evidence-based, accurate information, underscores why he is, and will continue to be remembered as, one of the nation's most esteemed medical intellects, always driven by an insatiable curiosity and profound compassion.

From our very first encounter, my admiration for Dr. Henrich blossomed, fueled by his infectious curiosity. In my eyes, he was more than an executive, professor, or a decorated physician leader; he was a hero. My absolute favorite superhero is Batman. To me, Batman stands as the epitome of heroism, and Bill was the living embodiment of that character—my very own Batman. This admiration led me to invite the Batman of San Antonio to his office, presenting him with a token of our gratitude: a framed quote stating, "Everything is impossible until it is done." Bill personified this message. Without any superpowers, his extraordinary intellect and resources were his only tools, he envisioned and built teams of highly skilled professionals to create world class programs here in San Antonio. Inspiring them to discover breakthroughs and to work in dynamic collaborations that would cause the name of the institution to ring out in circles it had not touched previously. His humble demeanor belied a leader with a presence that felt and was larger than life itself.

Bill transformed the San Antonio medical landscape into a genuine community. He was the architect behind the unity of frontline practitioners, research scientists, and nonprofits, ensuring a collaborative environment where the voices of the community and those receiving care were prioritized. My inclusion at this table, despite not being a medical professional, stands as a testament to Bill's forward-thinking and inclusive approach, long before such practices became mainstream. Dr. Henrich’s actions championed inclusion and respect, setting a standard that transcends trends. The city, state, nation, and world have all indeed been enriched by his presence.

His life remains a beacon, illuminating the path for those of us inspired to effect positive change. Bill's enduring legacy, marked by hope and a clarion call to action, urges us to embody the same fervor and commitment that he demonstrated throughout his remarkable journey.

As we mourn the loss of Dr. William L. Henrich, let us also celebrate the indelible marks he left on the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have received his wise counsel. Bill's life story is a powerful reminder of the impact one determined individual can have on the world. His spirit will forever inspire us to strive for excellence with compassion, and commitment to the welfare of humanity.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Bill's family, friends, and all who were touched by his extraordinary life. May you find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will continue to inspire and influence the world for generations to come. To Bill I say, "Until we meet again, my friend."

With heartfelt condolences,

Tiffany Jones-Smith