George Henry Hess, Jr., M.D., longtime physician, educator and former chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), passed away on December 4, 2025. Dr. Hess is remembered for his deep compassion, patient-centered medicine and most of all, as a beloved family man. 

Dr. Hess devoted his career to caring for people with attentiveness and respect, believing medicine was not simply a profession but a calling. His son, John Hess, M.D., reflected on his father’s devotion, sharing that even late in life, “he truly loved being a physician and having the opportunity to help people. If he had the opportunity to continue being a doctor, he would have gladly done so even if it meant not getting paid.”  

After earning his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine and completing his residency at UC Davis Medical Center, Dr. Hess served communities in Carson City and Reno before joining UNR Med. As chair of family medicine, he helped educate and mentor generations of medical students and residents. He was widely respected for the way he practiced and taught medicine, with patience, humility and care. “He allowed others to speak and tell their story and didn’t rush them,” John said. “Because he took the time to truly listen to patients, it made him an excellent clinician.” 

David C. Fiore, M.D., professor of family and community medicine, recalled joining UNR Med as a young physician for his first role, noting that Dr. Hess provided both mentorship and a powerful example of what it meant to be a practicing family physician.  

Beyond the clinic and classroom, Dr. Hess contributed to public health through service on the Washoe County Board of Health, work with the Reno-Sparks Tribal Health Center, and decades of research involvement with the National Institutes of Health’s Women’s Health Initiative. Despite frequent professional recognition, he remained notably modest. His son Patrick Hess reflected, “he didn’t talk in a way that elevated himself above anyone else in society. He pursued what he viewed as fair and right, always.” 

Students and colleagues remember Dr. Hess as approachable and kind. His daughter, Katie Hess, shared that a UNR Med graduate once told her what she appreciated about him most was that “he would answer questions with intelligence and kindness at the same time, so you never felt insecure about what you were asking.” 

Brian Passalacqua, M.D., FAAFP, associate professor of family and community medicine, who trained as a resident at UNR Med in the early 1990’s, remembered Dr. Hess as a steady and influential leader during a pivotal time for the department. He credited Dr. Hess with helping rebuild and strengthen family medicine. 

Dr. Hess’s influence extended far beyond his official roles.

“Being a hardworking, ethical and attentive doctor was a very strong part of his identity as a person,” Patrick said. “The fact that his career extended into every space of his life showed how well the career suited him and how much he cared about it.” 

Outside of medicine, Dr. Hess was deeply devoted to his family and time spent with loved ones. He was known for his steady principles and genuine care for others, qualities that defined him both at home and in his professional life. 

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carole Brennan Hess; his children, John Hess, Katherine Hess Phillips, and Patrick Hess; his grandchildren; and extended family. His legacy endures in the countless students he mentored, patients he cared for, and colleagues inspired by his example.