ACOG Observes the Passing of ACOG Past President Harry S Jonas Jr, MD, FACOG

ACOG mourns the loss of ACOG Past President Harry S Jonas Jr, MD, FACOG, who passed on December 24, 2022. 

Dr. Jonas was an obstetrician–gynecologist and medical educator. He received his medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and after completing residency training at St. Luke’s and Barnes Hospitals in St. Louis he opened a private practice in Independence, Missouri. A dedicated Fellow, Dr. Jonas was deeply involved in ACOG in areas spanning the breadth of ACOG’s work, including adolescent health care, professional liability, and even establishing ACOG’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. He also on many ACOG committees, carrying out terms as a member of the ACOG Executive Board, member and chair of the Health Care Commission, chair of the Council of District chairs, and District VII chair. 

A lifelong commitment to teaching demonstrates clearly that education was among Dr. Jonas’ chief passions. He shaped upcoming generations of obstetrician–gynecologists as the dean and a professor of the School of Medicine at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and mentored those who had already begun their careers as the national advisor to Junior Fellows. Dr. Jonas’ commitment to education extended to patients and communities as well: he oversaw development of age-appropriate sex education curricula during his time as ACOG president and believed strongly in reducing teen pregnancy rates. He also authored and coauthored many scientific articles and contributed to several textbooks. 

Dr. Jonas is remembered fondly by his colleagues and friends as a great gentleman, mentor, role model, and friend who contributed so much to his specialty, his profession, and his community. He will be greatly missed.