Roberto Lang

June 24th, 2025

Dr Lang gave me my first job in Echo 20 years ago. It would change my life in ways I never thought possible. Without his willingness to take a chance on a new grad I wouldn’t have the career or life I have today. I thank him for everything he did but just for me but for the world of cardiology. I thank god for the time we spent together and the things I learned while working in his echo lab. I wish his family peace and hope they find comfort in the wonderful things Dr Lang did for so many people.

~Rick Mattioli
~Colleague, Chicago

June 23rd, 2025

It has been a real privilege and honour to know Roberto through the years, and learn from him (and Victor) how to do research.
All started in Oct 1999, when I met Roberto in Milan during a echo workshop organized by Dr. Turiel, with whom I was collaborating for my PhD thesis. One year later I was at the Echo Lab, working as Research Fellow for 6 months and learning every day, the beginning of multiple stays where coming back there was always as being at home. Roberto was a real mentor, making you feel at ease, ready for a laugh, able to listen to people’s dreams and enthusiastically supporting also the strangest idea and project, if meaningful (as in 2003, convincing Philips to give us a Sonos 5500 with X4 3D probe prototype to perform 3D echo during parabolic flight for the first time…). Besides being always busy between conferences and patients, he always was able to catch up with me to see how things (research and personal life) were going, glad for achievements and supportive for the encountered challenges in life, as well as ready to joke on Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi’s deeds (Trump was not there at the time…so I could not properly reply…) or talk about soccer. If not for Roberto and my Chicago time there, I would not have had the opportunity to meet my loving wife Erica, and everytime there was a conference or an opportunity to pass through Chicago, he was always available to catch up for a meeting and a hug, if not for lunch or dinner, or an invitation to meet him and Lily at their home.
Roberto will be always alive in our heart and memories!
Enrico Caiani with my wife Erica Kees

~Enrico Caiani
~friend and colleaugue, Monza, Italy

June 18th, 2025

Remembering Dr. Lang — a warm, encouraging, and deeply supportive mentor, colleague, and friend.

It’s with a heavy heart that I share a few personal memories of Dr. Lang. I had the privilege of working closely with him during my engineering days at Philips, and later, he became a major inspiration behind my decision to pursue medicine at UCLA. I aspired—and still aspire—to become a doctor like him.

During my time at Philips, Dr. Lang and I developed a strong professional and personal bond. He dedicated his life to bringing cutting-edge technology into the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Whenever I brought him ideas from data science or AI, he would listen attentively, grasp the core quickly, and guide me toward the most practical and meaningful scenarios where I can apply those ideas.

When I decided to apply to medical school and make the transition from engineer to physician, Dr. Lang became my most enthusiastic supporter—even more so than my own wife. He encouraged me to pursue what I loved and had deep faith in my potential. I still remember the joy in his voice when I sent him a screenshot of my high MCAT score—he was thrilled and told me I had a great chance of being admitted. And he didn’t stop there—he invited other physicians and professors, including Dr. Amita Singh, Dr. Karima Addetia, Dr. Victor Mor-Avi, and Dr. Amit Patel, to help me refine my application, and wrote me the best recommendation letter I have ever received. When I was accepted to UCLA, he was genuinely overjoyed. His belief in me gave me a sense of trust and hope that I will always carry with me.

I can’t forget his warmth and humor. He once joked that my cats were “cool as a stone,” and said my drone photos of the UChicago campus made me look like an “amazing spy.” When he heard that my wife and I had bought a new car, he playfully complained that we should have taken him along—he loved bargaining. He even offered to pose as my father at the dealership, even though we didn’t look anything alike.

Even after we moved to Los Angeles, we stayed in touch and collaborated on a project involving ChatGPT. As always, he embraced the new technology with enthusiasm and vision. Although the project was never fully completed, it remains one of my fondest memories of our time working together.

Dr. Lang encouraged, inspired, and supported so many people throughout his life. I feel deeply honored to have known him, and I know his legacy will live on in all of us who had the privilege of learning from him and working by his side.

— Fred Deyu Sun (Site Scientist for Philips at Uchicago during 2017-2021) with my wife, Zhen Hu
Los Angeles, CA

~Fred Deyu Sun
~colleague and friend, Los Angeles

June 18th, 2025

It is still hard to accept that he is no longer with us, and words feel inadequate to express the depth of loss I feel.

For almost a decade, Roberto was always more than a colleague to me — he was a mentor, a friend, and a continuous source of support and inspiration.

Roberto’s presence was a privilege and a joy for everyone who had the opportunity to work with him. He fostered a warm, respectful, and genuinely personal atmosphere that elevated every meeting and collaboration. Whether we were presenting very experimental “ VR – Glimpse into the Future” sessions and waiting anxiously for unexpected Last-Minute updates of the equipment, working on countless innovation projects over the years or just talking in our weekly research discussions. His passion and encouragement made every project more meaningful and every challenge more manageable.

He played a pivotal role in creating an environment where I found deep satisfaction and purpose in my work. The positive energy and sense of belonging he cultivated will be felt for years to come.

I am profoundly grateful for the time shared with Roberto, for his unwavering support, and for way he enriched my life both personally and professionally.

Roberto, I will deeply miss you!

~Niklas Hitschrich
~Colleague, Friend, Munich, Germany

June 17th, 2025

Dr. Lang (Roberto) was a blessing to us all. His memorial service was a ringing reminder of this truth. At ASE he was so much more than a past president, member, leader, etc. His accolades could be pages long– he was the inspiration and energy behind so many innovations at ASE and in the research field. Like his children remarked during the service, I hadn’t known how famous he was until I went to the second World Summit of Echo (which he helped organize …. as usual behind the scenes, sharing helpful touches with people to smooth relationships, sponsorships, etc.). He came into the room and a sea of people descended upon him wanting his autograph or a picture with him. He was like a rock star! He humbly laughed and patiently let people shake his hand, take pictures, etc. I was in awe. This scene repeated itself many, many times– at our annual meetings, EACVI meetings, other World Summits. He helped me personally navigating tricky issues with our Foundation, NBE, or ASE– always a wise counsel, always a caring friend. He also put others before himself, time and time again. He fell on the ice at the EACVI meeting in Istanbul and cracked a rib. Rather than leaving (as any normal person would do), he slept upright and still did his presentation the next day! He was so respected and loved by our staff — so many tears were shed when he passed away. When we posted the notice about this tragedy, the influx of notes and sweet memories came pouring into my email. I cannot imagine ASE without him. I will treasure my time with him. I am so sorry he left the earth so soon. May he rest in peace forever. He will not be forgotten.

~Robin Wiegerink
~Colleague and Friend, Durham, NC

June 17th, 2025

Dear Roberto,

Today, we say goodbye to a true giant in cardiology. You were so much more than a brilliant educator, an innovator, and a world-class clinician-scientist — you were the heart of echocardiography itself. To call you influential doesn’t even come close. You shaped generations, mentored so many of us, and left a mark on clinical practice that spans the globe.

Your work has saved countless lives. Your humility, your generosity, your passion — they inspired all of us. I feel incredibly lucky to have learned from you in these past years. It’s hard to find the words, but I’m trying to carry this sorrow with a sense of gratitude — that we had you, that we learned from you, and that your legacy will keep guiding us forward.

Thank you, Roberto.

~Attila Kovacs
~mentee and friend, Budapest, Hungary

June 16th, 2025

I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Roberto (Bobby) Lang. I have known Bobby since 1983 – if my memory serves me right, he was finishing his Cardiology Fellowship at the University of Chicago, and I had just joined Michael Reese Hospital as a freshly minted Assistant Professor. Given our mutual interest in cardiac mechanics, we instantly connected. I moved my faculty appointment to the University of Chicago in 1990, and my office was within the echocardiography laboratory that was directed by Bobby. Over the next 10 years, we had a significant research collaboration – focusing on the quantitation of cardiac mechanics using noninvasive techniques under normal and pathological conditions. I have so many fond memories of our time and work together. All of my human studies were in collaboration with Bobby. I remember our trips to South Dakota to study an interesting population (Hutterites of South Dakota) with limited gene pool and very controlled environment (communal living). The prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension is high in this population, and we wanted to study the evolution of this disease. I remember shipping echocardiographic imaging and other equipment to South Dakota and setting up an “echo lab” in the Church basement at one of the Hutterite colonies. I also remember getting lost late at night on a country road, with not a soul in sight. Bobby was the fearless leader on these trips – his energy and perpetual smile propelled everyone to get the job done. I am a bioengineer by training, and I bring a perspective to biomedical/clinical research that is different from that of a clinician. Although Bobby was not an engineer, he always wanted to understand the basic engineering concepts so that he can be a better research partner. Conversely, I benefitted tremendously from Bobby’s clinical expertise and insights – it surely made me a better bioengineer. I have another fond memory from my U Chicago days. There was a period of about 6 months (do not remember which year) during which about five University of Chicago faculty who were Nobel laureates came to the echocardiography laboratory for cardiac imaging. Bobby and I joking used to say that we should write an article titled “Hearts of the Nobel Laureates” – we never got around to doing this. As I understand, Bobby was very active and deeply engaged in his clinical and research work right up until the end – this is how I remember Bobby, full of energy and enthusiastic about everything he did. I will miss very much my dear friend and colleague and his ever-smiling face. My thought and prayers are with Lili and the rest of the family – may he rest in peace.

~Sanjeev Shroff
~Friend and colleague, Pittsburgh

June 16th, 2025

“Bobby”
“Incorrectísimo!”
(“Very, very incorrect!”)
The word still rings fresh, vibrant, and precise—just as it did in 1974, when, seated in a rather uncomfortable chair, Professor Dr. Roberto Lang—then simply Bobby—pronounced that magical provocation to Danny Ganger and me during one of our study sessions.
I am that third medical student Danny mentioned in his remarks at today’s service, June 15th, 2025. The three of us regularly met in the afternoons to review and discuss our many clinical subjects at the University of Buenos Aires. Through those intense, long sessions, I came to know an extraordinary classmate—a unique individual, brimming with curiosity and a boundless hunger for knowledge.
We didn’t read textbooks together; instead, each of us prepared our own summaries at home, and the next day we’d meet to present and debate the topics. Suffice it to say, Bobby excelled in every colloquium. He was “The Teacher.”
He could recite—word for word—a 20-page topic as if performing on stage, and it wasn’t just memorization. His understanding was profound. He was exact in his words, succinct, to the point—all delivered with wit, kindness, and a trademark humility.
Even as a medical student, he had already mastered the art of teaching by example—effectively, and without wasting a second. We classmates admired him deeply—our professors, even more so.
Over time, I came to know Bobby even better and discovered that behind his mask of relentless excellence was a warm, generous spirit—a remarkable actor on the stage of life.

We will miss you, Great Bobby—your jokes, your listening, your teaching, your brilliance, and above all, your friendship.
With love and remembrance,
Raul Mandler, MD
Washington, DC

~Raul Mandler
~Friend, NORTH BETHESDA

June 16th, 2025

Roberto
(I would call you Dr. Lang, but you’d be upset). Your beautiful ceremony carried out by family and friends was truly fitting. A blend of humor, honor and storytelling captured the essence of Roberto Lang.

No words will ever describe the impact you have had on my life and the life of many.

15 years ago you offered me a position in your lab and promised me, I would learn a lot. I never imagined how much my life would change. Your guidance beyond the walls of the Echo lab is something I will always cherish.

The halls of University of Chicago may feel empty with your absence, but our hearts will always be full. The legend of Roberto lives in the thousands of hearts you have touched.

We love you forever Roberto, we have it from here.

May you rest in peace.

-Eric & Emily

~Eric Kruse

June 16th, 2025

His guidance, along with his kind soul , helped me to shape the new chapter of my life.

~Anita Sadeghpour
~Mentee, colleague and friend, Washington, DC

June 15th, 2025

Roberto was very important part of my life! A mentor, a friend, family!
I cherish every moment I shared his presence in my life.
He listened, tried to help, and was always there for me.
Bobby you will be for ever in my heart!

~Mushi Braniss
~Family, Israel

June 15th, 2025

Our “Tío Bobby” was one of those superheroes. He definitely had an alter ego called Dr. Lang.

Dr. Lang was this super respected, globally recognized doctor who had discovered some bright new methods to help patients and doctors cure hearts. Doctors would approach him and ask him to sign and dedicate his books to them. He was giving lectures all over the globe, teaching about echo cardios and technology, working long hours, helping people and so much other stuff we didn’t understand as kids.

But “el Tío Bobby” was this jovial and funny guy, always making up the funniest and foolish jokes, worrying about everyone and just being Bobby… He was just natural, transparent and pure.

He would drive up a hill and make us “push with our minds” the car so it could get to the peak of the hill during our summer holidays in Uruguay, or spend the whole day after a party (was it a wedding or bar mitzvah?) talking about the brain freeze he got from so much ice cream.

He was even the greatest son-in-law to my Grandmother. For over 40 years since Lili and Bobby moved out of Buenos Aires he accepted staying at his in-laws home, on the same short twin beds where my aunt grew up.

He was a man who didn’t need to say any fancy words, because his acts spoke so much louder than his words. That’s probably why we all really enjoyed talking with him about politics, economy or anything else, as he was such a wise man with such a strong moral compass.

Bobby would call after a long day to check in and ask how our dad or friend or distant family was, what other doctors were saying and bringing up his and his smartest colleague’s suggestions.

For 13 years we talked so often about my father’s illness and he would patiently listen and analyze and explain and guide and teach on what the next steps should be. He was the one who brought peace of mind to all our family during the years when all we had was uncertainty and anxiety.

He was always there for all of us. That’s when we realized that Clark Kent was actually Superman, that Bruce Wayne was in fact Batman and that el Tío Bobby was the same guy as Dr. Lang.

While the world will surely miss Dr. Lang and his lectures and articles and witty intelligence; we -his dear nieces and nephews- we will miss our beloved Tío Bobby.

May his memory always bring back that peace of mind and smiles to our faces. And may it always be a blessing.

~Ezequiel Hajnal
~Nephew, Buenos Aires, Argentina

June 15th, 2025

Even we lived in different countries you manage to be present all the time. Thank for giving me the pleasure of being your neice and always giving words of encourage and your jokes will be missed.
Thank you for always trying your best for me to understand every techincal word and for being a great uncle and amazing doctor.
I will miss you.
Until one day we will met again for more peperoni slizes.
Vicky

~Victoria Lang
~Niece, Argentina

June 15th, 2025

My dearest Bobby,

For Shmulik, Uri, David, Daniel and me, you were our truest and best friend. I felt safe in the world knowing that you were there there.
In times of crisis you offered yourself in a humble and extraordinary way, wanting to find out how you could help us.

I love your sense of humor, your playfulness , the way you led our Pesach Seder.

I feel your loss deeply and I am lost without you.

Anat, Uri, Davidi, Daniel and their families

~Anat Kandel
~Friend, Tel Aviv – Yafo, Israel

June 15th, 2025

En nombre de nuestra familia, con todo nuestro cariño y gran respeto:
Con profunda tristeza y con el corazón nos unimos desde Berlín al inmenso dolor por la partida de Boby, un ser verdaderamente excepcional. Aunque tuve el privilegio de verlo solo en contadas ocasiones, su presencia siempre fue luminosa, cálida, generosa y humilde. Pero lo conocí también a través de los relatos llenos de cariño de su querida esposa Lili, de su cuñado y hermano de la vida Roby, y de toda una familia que para mí no es “como” familia, sino familia en lo más auténtico del término.
Boby dedicó su vida entera a salvar otras vidas. Entregó su tiempo, su conocimiento, su pasión, su corazón —en todos los sentidos— con una entrega admirable. En lo profesional, dejó un legado imborrable en el mundo de la cardiología. En lo humano, dejó una huella aún más profunda: la de un hombre que inspiraba, que guiaba, que amaba intensamente a su familia, que hacía reír, y que supo mantenerse humilde aun cuando el mundo lo reconocía como uno de los mas grandes.
Su historia me intereso siempre, desde sus primeros pasos en Buenos Aires hasta su extraordinario camino en Chicago. El haber compartido una cena con Lili y Boby en diciembre pasado, en Berlín, fue para nosotros un inmenso regalo, que ahora atesoramos con aún más emoción.
Nos sentimos cerca, muy cerca, de Lili, Gabriel, Daniella, de sus nietos que eran su orgullo, de Roby, de Gloria, Julie, de toda esta familia a la que tanto quiero desde siempre.
Su ausencia deja una herida profunda, pero su luz —como médico, como maestro, como esposo, como padre, como abuelo, como amigo— seguirá brillando en todos los que tanto lo querían, lo admiraron y aprendieron de él.
Con un abrazo sincero y con lágrimas,
Pauli y familia

~Pablo Wittner
~amigos, Berlin

June 14th, 2025

I’m going to miss you dearly and truly appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I’ll cherish all the years we’ve spent together and genuinely loved my time here in the echo lab. I’ll even miss bringing you coffee! Thank you for making me a part of the echo family.

~Michael Harris
~Friend, Oak Lawn

June 14th, 2025

Mi amado tío Bobby,

Mi amado tío Bobby.
Has sido y serás para siempre un guía, una luz, un héroe para toda la familia.
Tu mirada, tu atención, tu dedicación, tu generosidad, tu brillantez, tu sentido del humor único e inigualable, tu alma hermosa. Todo eso voy a extrañar 💔.
Tan agradecida por haberte tenido en mi vida, y por haber podido compartirte con mis primos, mis tíos, mi abuela, mis padres, mi hermana, Dan, Oli y Max. Amábamos verte, hacerte asados, charlar de la vida con vos. El último viaje a Chicago vivirá siempre en nuestro corazón, te pasaste de genio como siempre y cada detalle hermoso está grabado en el alma para toda la vida 🤍. Siempre piola, conectado, dedicado, un amazing mensch.
La vida me regaló tener un tío superhéroe 🤍🥹, me siento tan afortunada y tan tan triste 💔. Te voy a extrañar siempre 🤍.
I love you forever and ever ♾️
Ingrid

~Ingrid Hajnal
~Niece, Buenos Aires, Argentina

June 14th, 2025

Dear Roberto

The early death of our mother contributed to the fact that we did not grow up together and pursued very different lives.

There is a part of me that wishes we had shared more moments, more memories, and more of the everyday. Life took us down different paths, but it doesn’t change how I feel knowing you’re no longer here.

I will always hold onto the thought of what could have been, and I will cherish the moments we did have—even if they were few.

Rest in peace.

Thank you and farewell

Andrés, Gabriele and Sandro

~Andrés, Gabriele and Sandro Zweig
~Half-Brother, Zurich/Switzerland

June 14th, 2025

Thank you for having the opportunity to work with you, in such a prestige and respected health institution.
For the trust & respect; for the happy and challenging times in the department.
I’m forever grateful to have known a great yet humble man, doctor, and a teacher to all of us.
Thank you for believing in me, and for the guidance in our everyday work.
Thank you for everything.
We will miss you dearly, Dr. Roberto Lang.

~Lawrence Abla
~Sonographer, UofChicago, Lombard, Illinois

June 14th, 2025

En nombre de nuestra familia, con todo nuestro cariño y gran respeto:
Con profunda tristeza y con el corazón nos unimos desde Berlín al inmenso dolor por la partida de Boby, un ser verdaderamente excepcional. Aunque tuve el privilegio de verlo solo en contadas ocasiones, su presencia siempre fue luminosa, cálida, generosa y humilde. Pero lo conocí también a través de los relatos llenos de cariño de su querida esposa Lili, de su cuñado y hermano de la vida Roby, y de toda una familia que para mí no es “como” familia, sino familia en lo más auténtico del término.
Boby dedicó su vida entera a salvar otras vidas. Entregó su tiempo, su conocimiento, su pasión, su corazón —en todos los sentidos— con una entrega admirable. En lo profesional, dejó un legado imborrable en el mundo de la cardiología. En lo humano, dejó una huella aún más profunda: la de un hombre que inspiraba, que guiaba, que amaba intensamente a su familia, que hacía reír, y que supo mantenerse humilde aun cuando el mundo lo reconocía como uno de los mas grandes.
Su historia me intereso siempre, desde sus primeros pasos en Buenos Aires hasta su extraordinario camino en Chicago. El haber compartido una cena con Lili y Boby en diciembre pasado, en Berlín, fue para nosotros un inmenso regalo, que ahora atesoramos con aún más emoción.
Nos sentimos cerca, muy cerca, de Lili, Gabriel, Daniella, de sus nietos que eran su orgullo, de Roby, de Gloria, Julie, de toda esta familia a la que tanto quiero desde siempre.
Su ausencia deja una herida profunda, pero su luz —como médico, como maestro, como esposo, como padre, como abuelo, como amigo— seguirá brillando en todos los que tanto lo querían, lo admiraron y aprendieron de él.
Con un abrazo sincero y con lágrimas,
Pauli y familia

~Familia Pauli Wittner
~Amigo, Berlin

June 14th, 2025

LANG, Roberto, Z.L., falleció el 10-6-2025. – Partió un grande, que se dedico con todo su corazón al corazón. Lo pensábamos eterno e irrompible, siempre presente para cada quien necesitara su palabra, lo hacía con el alma y su saber. Esta pérdida enorme para quienes lo amamos se extiende a la humanidad, sus aportes como científico son incalculables. Bobby nos deja mucha presencia y se lleva nuestra inmensa gratitud. A Lili, Gabie, Daniella, a toda la familia Lang y a toda la familia Hajnal estamos con ustedes en este inmenso dolor. Los amamos Juan Braslavsky, Mónica Imen, Julie, Ingrid, Dan, Oli y Max.

~Monica Imen
~ex-cuñada, Buenos Aires

June 13th, 2025

Dear Dr. Lang,
It was one of the greatest honors of my life to meet you and learn from you during my time in the non-invasive cardiac imaging lab at the University of Chicago. This is a friendly, international, professional, Collaboratory, warm and unique team in my life! Your passion and pursuit of excellence in patient care, your dedication to research and teaching, and your graceful leadership continue to inspire me every day.
Thank you for your encouragement and support.
With the deepest respect and sympathy,
Shuo Wang, 2019–2021, Visiting Scholar in Cardiac Imaging, University of Chicago

~Shuo Wang
~Mentee and friend, Charlottesville

June 13th, 2025

Gracias Roberto. Gracias por cuidarme, guiarme, apoyarme, empujarme y enseñarme a través de cada cosita que todos los días haces. Esas que para muchos pueden pasar desapercibidas pero que atraviesan y dejan mucho más que cualquier lección de ecocardiografía. Gracias por hacer de mi un tipo nuevo, diferente y espero, mejor. El orgullo de haber compartido tantas cosas con vos no me entra en el pecho. Espero que, de alguna manera, vos sientas lo mismo. Quizás por eso, solo para asegurarte, me mandaste a Argentina con otro paper en la mochila para que me entretenga. Me lo llevo junto con tu risa ronca, la ternura de tus consejos y tu puerta siempre abierta para todos los que vemos en vos, al jefe, amigo, padre y abuelo que siempre quisimos y querremos tener. Quizás así, te extrañe un poco menos.
Te quiero inmensamente.

~Juan Ignacio Cotella
~Fellow, Friend, Salta, Argentina

June 13th, 2025

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Roberto, a true legend in the field of echocardiography. His loss is profoundly felt by the entire echocardiography community worldwide. I was fortunate to have known him for nearly 25 years. From 2003 to 2007, my family and I had the privilege of spending a month each summer in Chicago, thanks to his generous support. During this time, I worked on clinical studies and performed echo analysis using innovative equipment at the University of Chicago. Every morning, Roberto would pick me up for the hour-long drive from the northern part of Chicago to the university, during which we engaged in enriching conversations. His laughter and insightful discussions inspired me to become a better researcher. He mentored me, and through his guidance, I was able to explore the vast and fascinating field of echocardiography. I am grateful to have worked with him and his wonderful team for many years. He was not only my mentor but also my best friend. May God always bless Lili, Daniella, Gabriel, and other family members. Roberto, I look forward to seeing you again in heaven. Requiescat in pace.

~Masaaki Takeuchi
~Mentee and friend, Kitakyushu, JAPAN

June 13th, 2025

Bobby met me on the day I was born (pictured). Being that my biological uncles lived out of town, he made So many special- from holidays where he always prepared something engaging for the kids, to any regular Sunday where he stood by the grill for ages so that there would be delicious food, he was always prepared…and all with his dry sense of humor, that would make anyone within earshot erupt with laughter. You will be so missed, Bobby.

~Sharon Goldman
~Surrogate niece, Chicago, IL

June 13th, 2025

Dr. Roberto Lang was a giant among men and his contribution to the human experience must be substantial. We feel certain that Dr. Lang touched many lives in a positive and lasting way.
A short story: An American, I lived for many years in Thailand. Our son was diagnosed with a “suspect” terrible genetic coronary disorder. As he was under the care of the top pediatric coronary specialist in the region, it was impossible to get a serious second opinion. Our son was exposed to many invasive tests during the next year – all inconclusive.
I opened up to my cousin, Andres Strauss in Argentina about our situation in Thailand. Andy told me he had a childhood friend who was a top echo specialist cardiologist. We forwarded all the images to Dr. Lang, who immediately reviewed them, and announced, “This kid has a healthy heart.”
The Thai specialist knew Dr. Lang, both by reputation and by being lucky enough to hear him speak at a training seminar.
Dr. Lang cared enough about people to break his regular routine of healing others and review our son’s case half a world away, only because his old friend Andy asked him. It might have been a small thing, but it made a big difference in our son’s life. I would guess that if he recognized our son’s need for his care, he must have done it 100,000 or more times., Dr. Roberto Lang’s legacy of caring for others is alive and will always be remembered in the brightest of light.

~Rohn Grant
~Patient, Roswell NM

June 13th, 2025

Dear Roberto,

We grieve your passing. You have championed so many of us to serve; to innovate; to problem-solve; to lead; to succeed; and to pay forward.
You have always helped us with your wise, timely, and sage advice. You have guided and mentored us with your passion, dedication to excellence, and have truly taught us the gold standard in our field. You have always inspired us with your collegiality, your humor, and your love for our profession – and beyond. We will dearly miss you.
I am truly honored to serve on your research staff. It is uniquely my badge of honor to have served as your Cardiac MRI physicist, and I cherish all the highlights in your Echo Lab.
From the bottom of my heart – which we once referred to as the apex with love –

Thank you, and Farewell.

-Keigo

~Keigo Kawaji
~Your Cardiac MRI scientist and mentee, Chicago, IL

June 12th, 2025

Dear Roberto,

We grieve your passing. You have championed so many of us to serve; to innovate; to problem-solve; to lead; to succeed; to mentor; and to pay forward in so many impactful ways.

We will miss your wise, timely, and sage advice. We will miss your compassion and the love you showed for the many aspects of our professions and far beyond. We will miss your laughter, humor, collegiality, and kindness.

We will dearly and most certainly miss you. I am truly honored to have served as your Cardiac MRI physicist. This is a unique badge of honor that I will cherish onward, and I will always remember serving as a member of your research staff.

From the bottom of my heart – or from the apex and with love – as once exchanged;

Thank you and farewell.

~Keigo Kawaji
~Your Cardiac MRI scientist and mentee, Chicago, IL

June 12th, 2025

I know incredible stories about Roberto because Daniella his daughter always talked about him, and how proud she always is about him.
When my dad had a heart attack, Roberto took time of his own and without knowing me or my dad, analyzed the case, took time to call me once or twice and recommended me to doctors and gave me his professional opinion, and I couldn’t be more thankful for it. He went out of his way to help others without expecting something in return.

~Claudia Gindic
~Daighter’s friend, Florida

June 12th, 2025

Being a technician under the esteemed Dr. Roberto Lang is something all of us hold dear to our hearts.
He was like a father to us, guiding and teaching, protecting and always fighting to be sure we were treated fairly. He gave us so much credit for our role in the field of echocardiology and although his absence will be felt so deeply, any of us who had the privilege to work with him will carry his words with us and continue to share his guidance as we pass the knowledge down to future technicians.

~Kristi Kremski
~Cardiac Sonographer at UCM, Crown Point IN

June 12th, 2025

Roberto was a wonderful mentor and teacher. Without him, I would not have been able to stay in the US and build a life and family. This photo is from 2013 – all the Fellows. He was so kind and generous, a Master of his field, and will be so very sorely missed. My sincere condolences to his family. What a great legacy he leaves.

~Gillian Murtagh
~Mentee and friend, Belvidere, IL

June 12th, 2025

It is hard to imagine a world without Roberto.

He wasn’t just my mentor — he was my hero. He shaped my career, my life, and the way I see the world. I owe everything I have achieved professionally to him. But more than that, I owe him for the friendship, the unwavering support, and the belief he placed in me when I was still finding my way.

As a fellow, I looked up to him with awe. He had this rare combination of genius, warmth, and humility. He made you want to be better — not because he demanded it, but because you didn’t want to let him down.

Over the years, that mentor-student relationship became a cherished friendship. I cannot count the number of times I would pick up the phone just to hear his voice, ask for advice, share a laugh. And in return, he was always there — generous with his time, kind with his words, and full of that infectious energy that lit up every room.

His passing leaves a hole in my heart that words cannot fill. I will miss him terribly. But I will carry his lessons, his spirit, and his friendship with me for the rest of my life.

Thank you, Roberto — for everything. I hope you knew just how loved you were.

With deepest love and gratitude,
Akhil

~Akhil Narang
~Friend, colleague, former fellow, Chicago, IL

June 12th, 2025

Un gran hombre! Tuve la suerte de dialogar con el el 29 de abril del corriente año
Una gran pena su partida!!!!

~Puppy
~Amiga, olivos

June 12th, 2025

I am very sorry for your loss! I very much respected and appreciated professional friendship with Roberto. I was a fellow in cardiology as Dr. Lang was a junior attending at the University of Chicago. We did first 100 transesophageal echocardiograms together. He was wonderful, dedicated teacher for many cardiology fellows like me. I always had fond memories of his vast knowledge, wisdom, wit, humor. I admired his hard work and enormous contribution to the field of echocardiography and cardiology. Through the years we had occasional contacts and always each meeting was very cordial and warm. He will be missed! With deepest sympathy,
Mirek

~Mirek Sochanski
~Cardiology Fellow at the University of Chicago, co-worker at UofC in the 90’s, Great Falls, MT