Remembering Dr. Stuart Sherman

With sorrow, the Department of Medicine shares the sad news that colleague and friend Stuart Sherman, MD, MASGE, passed away on the morning of June 9, 2023, after a long illness.

Dr. Sherman was Glen A. Lehman Professor of Gastroenterology and an internationally renowned authority on the application of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to diseases of the pancreas and biliary tract.

Dr. Mohammad Al-Haddad, the Director of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, had this to say about Dr. Sherman:

“Stuart was not merely a colleague but a mentor and a close friend to many of us. Many moved to Indiana to work alongside this world-renowned expert, myself included, and many others from around the world who sought his tutelage over the course of three decades. Dr. Sherman’s profound knowledge, unwavering support, and compassionate nature touched the lives of countless individuals. He leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to resonate within our group for many years to come.”

Other colleagues have echoed this, describing him as an excellent physician, thoughtful leader, and a true visionary.

Originally from New York City, Dr. Sherman attended medical school at Washington University in St. Louis, completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, and a fellowship in gastroenterology at UCLA School of Medicine. Then, he came to Indiana University to complete an advanced endoscopy fellowship at IU under the mentorship of Dr. Glen Lehman. After serving as the Director of Pancreaticobiliary Endoscopy at UCLA School of Medicine, he returned to IU School of Medicine in 1992. He became director of the ERCP service in July 1995.

Since that time, he has published more than 400 articles and book chapters; mentored more than 50 GI fellows, advanced endoscopy trainees, research fellows, and junior faculty in research; and established IU’s Advanced Endoscopy program, which has become one of North America’s largest volume programs and a destination site for patients with complex pancreatobiliary diseases under his leadership.

Recently, Dr. Sherman was honored with the Rudolf Schindler Award, the highest honor bestowed by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). In his acceptance speech, Dr. Sherman described receiving the award as the pinnacle of his career.  

A celebration of life event is planned for later this summer. In lieu of flowers, Dr. Sherman's family requests donations be made to one of the following:

 The Stuart Sherman Professorship in Gastroenterology at IU School of Medicine. Please make memorial gifts payable to “IU Foundation – Stuart Sherman Professorship in Gastroenterology” and mail to Indiana University School of Medicine, c/o IU Foundation, P.O. Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207-7072. Please indicate “In memory of Dr. Stuart Sherman” on your gift. Gifts can also be made online.

The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center for the End Lung Cancer Now initiative. Please make memorial gifts payable to IU Foundation/End Lung Cancer Now and include a note indicating the gift is in memory of Stuart Sherman. Mail to: IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207. Gifts can also be made online.