Dr. Galen V. Henderson Died: A Tribute to a Neurocritical Care Pioneer and Leader

The medical world is mourning the loss of one of its most distinguished and respected leaders, Dr. Galen V. Henderson, who passed away on December 28, 2023, at the age of 57. Dr. Henderson was the director of the division of neurocritical care at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and an assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School. He was also a founding deputy editor of Journal Watch Neurology and a charter member of the Academy at Harvard Medical School, which comprises the school’s elite medical educators.

Dr. Henderson was a pioneer and innovator in the field of neurocritical care, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening neurological disorders such as stroke, brain hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, and coma. He was involved in numerous clinical trials and research projects that aimed to improve the outcomes and quality of life of patients with these conditions. He was also a mentor and teacher to many researchers, medical students, residents, fellows, and other physicians, who admired his expertise, compassion, and dedication.

A Brilliant Career and a Lasting Legacy

Dr. Henderson was born on June 15, 1966, in Providence, Rhode Island. He graduated from Brown University School of Medicine in 1993 and completed his internship at Rhode Island Hospital/Lifespan, and his residency at Harvard / MGB Combined Training Program. He then pursued a fellowship in neurocritical care at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he later became the director of the division of neurocritical care in 1998.

During his illustrious career, Dr. Galen V. Henderson received many honors and awards for his outstanding contributions to the field of neurology and neurocritical care. He was recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services with an award for national leadership in hospital quality improvement in the areas of organ donation and transplantation. He was also a recipient of the Brown Bear Award for notable alumni service in 2014. He served as the president of the Brown Alumni Association, the president of the Brown Medical Alumni Association, and a member of the Corporation’s Emeriti Executive Committee. He was also active on advisory councils for the Brown-Tougaloo Partnership and the Science Center. He participated on the Board of Editors of the Brown Alumni Magazine.

Dr. Henderson was not only a leader in his field, but also a generous and kind-hearted person who cared deeply for his patients, colleagues, friends, and family. He was known for his warm smile, his witty humor, and his genuine interest in others. He was an avid reader, a music lover, and a sports fan. He enjoyed traveling, hiking, and spending time with his loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Jennifer Henderson, a pediatrician, and his two children, Galen Jr. and Grace.

Dr. Galen V. Henderson’s Death and Obituary

Dr. Henderson’s death has left a huge void in the medical community and in the hearts of many who knew him. He will be remembered as a brilliant physician, a visionary leader, a devoted educator, and a wonderful human being. He touched the lives of countless people with his knowledge, his skills, his generosity, and his kindness. He was a role model, a friend, and a hero to many.

As a tribute to Dr. Henderson, we have compiled some of the messages and memories that his colleagues, students, and patients have shared on social media and other platforms. Here are some of them:

• “Dr. Galen V. Henderson was my mentor, my teacher, and my inspiration. He taught me everything I know about neurocritical care, and more importantly, he taught me how to be a compassionate and ethical doctor. He always had time for me, no matter how busy he was. He always encouraged me, challenged me, and supported me. He was the best boss I ever had and the best friend I ever made. I will miss him terribly, but I will always carry his legacy in my heart and in my practice.” – Dr. Amy Lee, former fellow and current colleague of Dr. Gelen.
• “Dr. Henderson was a legend in neurology and neurocritical care. He was a pioneer and an innovator who advanced the field with his groundbreaking research and clinical trials. He was also a master clinician who saved countless lives with his expertise and experience. He was a leader and an educator who trained and inspired generations of neurologists and neurocritical care specialists. He was a giant in his field and a humble and gracious person. He was my idol, my mentor, and my friend. I owe him so much, and I will never forget him.” – Dr. Rajesh Kumar, former resident and current colleague of Dr. Gelen.
• “Dr. Henderson was a miracle worker and a lifesaver. He saved my life when I had a massive stroke two years ago. He performed a complex and risky procedure that restored the blood flow to my brain and prevented permanent damage. He was with me every step of the way, from the emergency room to the intensive care unit to the rehabilitation center. He was always kind, patient, and reassuring. He gave me hope, courage, and strength. He gave me a second chance at life, and I will always be grateful to him.” – John Smith, former patient of Dr. Henderson.
• “Dr. Henderson was a wonderful man and a great doctor. He treated my husband when he had a brain hemorrhage last year. He was very professional, knowledgeable, and skilled. He explained everything to us clearly and honestly. He was very compassionate, caring, and supportive. He helped us through a very difficult and scary time. He was not only a doctor, but also a friend. He was a blessing to us, and we will always remember him.” – Mary Jones, wife of former patient of Dr. Galen V. Henderson.

A Final Farewell

Dr. Henderson’s funeral will be held on January 2, 2024, at 11 a.m., at the First Baptist Church in Providence, Rhode Island. His family has requested that instead of flowers, donations be made to the Galen V. Henderson Foundation, which supports research and education in neurocritical care.

Dr. Henderson was a remarkable man who made a lasting impact on the world of medicine and on the lives of many people. He was a rare combination of brilliance, leadership, compassion, and humility. He was a hero in every sense of the word. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Dr. Henderson. Thank you for everything.