Samuel Jack Hassenbusch III, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and a noted international expert in pain control, died from complications of brain cancer. He was 54 years old. Hassenbusch also served as medical director of the Physicians Referral Services.

Hassenbusch earned an international reputation in the treatment of chronic pain, both cancerous and non-cancerous. With his colleagues, Hassenbusch is credited with developing novel techniques, therapies and methods for infusing drugs to block pain. His research interest in pain treatment complemented an interest in computer-guided stereotactic techniques for brain tumor biopsies, focused radiation therapy, and direct injection of chemotherapy agents into brain tumors.
Author of more than 80 publications and 30 book chapters, Hassenbusch held offices in a number of national neurosurgical and pain organizations and served on numerous administrative committees. Hassenbusch served as the president of the Texas Pain Society 2002 – 2004 and the Texas Association of Neurological Surgeons 2006 – 2007.

Always an advocate for clinical research, Hassenbusch served as principal investigator on numerous clinical trials. During his career he wrote thirty-one book chapters and eighty-one articles in peer-reviewed journals in relation to his studies of medicine.

In May of 2005 Samuel was diagnosed with glioblastoma in the right frontal lobe. He had surgery in May of 2005 to remove the tumor. Given his practice of medicine, he wanted to be a “six foot lab rat” and try out new medical combinations to help reduce, if not eliminate the tumor in his brain. As a patient he participated in clinical trials, met with congressional leaders in Washington, D.C. to emphasize the need for continued cancer research and testified before a state committee in Austin about the importance of clinical trials.

Dr. Samuel J. Hassenbusch III was born on February 6th, 1954 in St. Joseph, MO. He earned his Eagle Scout award and was also a member of the St. Joseph, MO Masonic Lodge 189. Hassenbusch moved to Houston in 1993 to join M. D. Anderson’s Department of Neurosurgery. Prior to that he served on faculty positions at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He earned his bachelor’s degree, M.D., Ph.D. all from Johns Hopkins University and Medical School.

A motorcycle enthusiast, Hassenbusch always rode his bike to and from work, often going 30 miles out of his way –– despite living just three miles from M. D. Anderson. A founding member of M. D. Anderson’s employee motorcycle group, Riders for the Cure, Hassenbusch and colleagues rode in numerous cancer fundraisers. At the Ridin’ for the Rose, Hassenbusch served as its grand marshal for two years. This year the Run for the Rose and ride will be held on April 6th 2008 and will be dedicated to the memory of Dr. Hassenbusch.

Samuel Hassenbusch devoted his life to his work and that of healing people. In his spare time he loved to ride his motorcycle, travel around the world, spent time with his family and dogs, watch movies, and increase his knowledge of history and the Bible. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, doctor, and biblical scholar.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years: Rhonda and their children; Jack, Jason and Amanda, and two grandchildren.

There will be a public service to be announced at a later date.

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