Charles Edwin Hess was a graduate of the University of Virginia where he completed his medical degree, internship, and fellowship in hematology. He dedicated his life teaching young doctors how to recognize cancer cells and treat cancer patients with skill and compassion. He was renowned among his colleagues for his ability to read blood and bone marrow slides and produce clinical diagnoses to guide patient treatment. He was a member of The Alpha Omega Alpha and received the Excellence in Teaching Award in 1991 and was a member of the distinguished Educators at the University of Virginia. He co-authored over 50 medical journals and books.