We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Dr Ronald A Strauss, an esteemed member of the Editorial Board of touchREVIEWS in Respiratory & Pulmonary Diseases, who died on 12 January 2025 at the age of 80 in Cleveland Heights, OH, USA. Dr Strauss was a devoted husband to his wife Eugenia, and a loving father of three daughters and grandfather to six grandchildren.
Dr Strauss graduated with a BA from the University of Rochester, followed by an MS at New York University and an MD from Downstate Medical Center in New York City. He completed both his internship and residency at Metro Health Medical Center in Cleveland and at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, honing his expertise in paediatrics and respiratory diseases. He further specialized in allergies and asthma at National Jewish Health in Denver and completed a fellowship in pulmonary diseases and immunology at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital.
A dedicated educator, Dr Strauss served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Case Western Reserve University Medical School. He was a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Allergy and Immunology: a joint board accredited by both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Pediatrics. He provided care for infants, children and adults with asthma, bronchitis, allergies, sinus conditions, hives, recurrent infections and reactions to insect bites. He held admitting privileges at Fairview Hospital, further extending his impact in the community.
Beyond his medical accomplishments, Dr Strauss was known for his love of music and in 2004, Dr Strauss, Eugenia and friends co-founded City Music Cleveland. An accomplished amateur violinist, he led as President of the Board of the chamber orchestra CityMusic Cleveland and performed two to three times annually with the World Doctors Orchestra, using his musical gifts to raise funds for hospitals and medical charities.
Dr Strauss embodied the ideals that touchREVIEWS in Respiratory & Pulmonary Diseases holds dear: clinical excellence, dedication to education and mentorship, and a caring, community-focused spirit. His contributions to our field and to the broader medical and cultural community were shaped by the same commitment to humanity, whether in the examining room or under the concert lights.
Dr Strauss’s legacy, marked by rigorous clinical practice, heartfelt teaching, artistic expression and personal kindness, leaves an indelible mark on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, yet his influence continues in the many lives he touched and the communities he helped build.
