Remembering a Visionary, Mentor, and Friend
It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of our dear friend, colleague, and leader, Dr. Hari Eswaran. Hari’s loss is felt profoundly across his teams, our community and institutions. He was not only a brilliant scientist and dedicated professional but also a cherished friend whose presence left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
A Legacy of Dedication and Innovation
Hari was a cornerstone of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and the Institute for Digital Health & Innovation (IDHI), where he served with quiet strength and unwavering commitment. As a Biomedical Engineer, Professor, and Research Director, his groundbreaking work in maternal-fetal health reshaped how we care for mothers and babies. He led the development of the SARA system—a non-invasive technology for fetal brain and heart monitoring—and authored over 100 peer-reviewed journal papers.
As the PI and Co-Director of the South Central Telehealth Resource Center, Hari worked tirelessly to expand digital health access across rural communities in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Hari relished the friendships and the collaborations we built across the country as part of the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Center. He also co-founded SEARCH – the Society for Education and the Advancement of Research in Connected Health, and, with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, he worked towards equity and innovation in healthcare.
Hari was a man who wore many different hats. In September 2020, he became the PI and Director of the HRSA funded Rural Telehealth Evaluation Center. He worked diligently with researchers to conduct evaluation research on telehealth services, to evaluate telehealth practices to show how patient outcomes are affected. RTEC’s research portfolio encompasses the evaluation of digital health solutions and programs from efficacy and financial perspectives. All these evaluation findings serve to help inform utilization on telehealth while giving policymakers key points required to focus and continue funding the advancement of telehealth in rural America.
A Friend and Servant Leader
Hari was a treasure. His brilliance was matched only by his humility. He brought clarity to complexity, grace to leadership, and warmth to every room he entered. He was a listener, a mentor, and a guiding light—never seeking the spotlight but always deserving of it.
Working alongside Hari was a privilege. His humor, kindness, and quiet conviction made every project better and every challenge more manageable. He embodied the best of us: integrity, curiosity, and compassion.
A Life of Love and Community
Born in New Delhi, India, Hari was the youngest of three brothers. After earning a master’s degree at the University of Mississippi and a Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, he made Little Rock his home for over 30 years.
He was a devoted husband to his wife, and a proud father to two daughters. Hari was also a pillar of the Indian community in Little Rock, known for his deep involvement in cultural and community-building efforts. He mentored many, offered help freely, and his contagious smile lit up every gathering.
Honoring Hari
While we mourn this tremendous loss, we remain committed to honoring Hari’s legacy by continuing our work with the dedication and care that he exemplified. As a team, we send our love and prayers to his wife and family. The family requests that donations be made in Hari’s memory to The Birthing Project, a cause close to his heart.
We remember Hari not just for all he achieved—but for how he made us feel: inspired, supported, and seen. His life was a gift, and his legacy lives on in all of us.
