Dr. Joseph Masci, HIV Pioneer, Global Health Leader At Elmhurst, Dies

QUEENS, NY — On Wednesday, Elmhurst Hospital will hold a virtual and in-person tribute to a late leader who helped developed infectious disease and HIV/AIDS programs as Chairman of the Global Health Institute at Elmhurst. Dr. Joseph Masci, of Manhasset, died at age 71, after a 40-year career as a "revered educator and clinician," as his New York Times obituary remembered.

He died of renal cancer on Nov. 15.

Masci, an infectious disease doctor, was an early pioneer in HIV treatment, and helped helm New York City's management of HIV/ AIDS, according to his professional biographies. He also helped NYC prepare for potential terrorist threats after 9/11 and possible infectious outbreaks like ebola. He developed HIV/AIDS programs in countries around the world, and has authored several books.

He was a recipient of Mount Sinai's highest honor, the Jacobi Medallion.

When he received the Jacobi Medallion in 2018, his colleagues reflected on his ability to connect with and listen to the communities he served.

"He's had a major impact on the lives of patients in New York City and beyond," Dennis Charney, Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, said about Masci.

"What I want people to take away from my words is a recognition that connecting with patients is really the center of what we do," Masci said in 2018.