Memorial for Dr. Stuart Linas
— Stuart Linas, MD —
1945 – 2026
The American Board of Internal Medicine honors the life of Dr. Stuart Linas, who died on January 19, 2026. Dr. Linas served as Secretary-Treasurer (2012 – 2013) and Treasurer (2013 – 2015) of the Board of Directors during pivotal moments in the history of ABIM and certification. His legacy—as attested by numerous colleagues at ABIM, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), the University of Colorado and many other institutions of medicine—is one of exceptional leadership, intellect, academic rigor and a passion for the art and science of medicine.
Perhaps more than this, he is remembered for his warm personal relationships and the profound influence he had on those who knew him.
“Stu was a truly remarkable man,” wrote David H. Johnson, MD, who served as Chair of the Board during Dr. Linas’s tenure as Treasurer. “He has left an enviable legacy as a husband, father, grandfather, physician, teacher and mentor.”
Dr. Linas and Dr. Johnson served on the Board during the launch of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. He recalled that “when Stu spoke, people listened,” and noted Dr. Linas’s calm demeanor, thoughtful counsel and steady presence guiding the Board through challenging discussions and important decisions. “Leadership can be exercised through authority or earned through example,” said Dr. Johnson. “Stu chose the latter.”
Robert M. Wachter, MD, another past Chair of the Board (2012 – 2013), remarked, “Stu was the definition of a mensch—warm, empathic, curious, funny and, for all his brilliance, utterly without arrogance. We were fortunate to have his wisdom and his spirit on the Board.”
Prior to his appointments as an officer of the Board, Dr. Linas served his profession in numerous other roles both at ABIM and many other institutions of medicine. He was a member of ABIM’s Subspecialty Board on Nephrology for ten years, contributing to the oversight of the nephrology certification exams and the broad definition of the discipline he practiced himself. A Professor of Medicine and the Rocky Mountain Professor of Renal Research in the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension at the University of Colorado, Dr. Linas was an award-winning educator and researcher, recognized by Denver Health with the Career Service Award and by ASN with the prestigious Robert G. Narins Award, in addition to numerous other teaching awards. In 1987, he was elected to the American Society of Clinical Investigation for excellence in scholarly contributions.
He was highly involved with ASN—serving at various times on the ASN Board of Advisors, as chair of the Renal Fellowship Directors Committee and Hypertension Advisory Group, and as a member of the Education Committee—and with the Alliance of Academic Internal Medicine on the Board of Directors, as well as on the editorial boards of several nephrology journals.
After serving as a member of the ABIM Board of Directors for six years, in 2012, Dr. Linas was appointed Secretary-Treasurer, assuming his first role as an officer. Richard J. Baron, MD, MACP, (now retired) joined as President and CEO of ABIM and the ABIM Foundation in 2013 and recalls it as a transformative time in the Board’s history. “We had radically changed our governance model to go from 29 Directors to a group of 12 – 15. Stu, as one of the officers, was critical to ensuring a smooth transition at a complicated moment.” Dr. Baron remembers him as “always kind, always a gentleman and truly a friend. The world is diminished by his passing.”
Furman S. McDonald, MD, MPH, now President and CEO of ABIM and the ABIM Foundation, met Dr. Linas early in his career at ABIM when he was the Senior Vice President for Academic and Medical Affairs. “He was gracious, welcoming, helpful, thoughtful and wise,” recalls Dr. McDonald. “The profession has lost a giant and we have all lost a friend who will be missed even as we hope to carry on the mission about which he cared, and cared for, so well.”
“His actions spoke louder than titles,” wrote Dr. Johnson, “and his example left a lasting impression on all who worked with him.” ABIM staff and governance are deeply grateful for Dr. Linas’s years of service, and for the intellect, integrity and clarity he brought to advancing the organization’s mission.
