8 tHe Catalyst, Aug. 28, 2015
Infectious disease physician admired as gifted clinician, mentor Public Relations John Michael Kilby, M.D., professor of medicine and microbiology and director of MUSC’s Division of Infectious Diseases, died on August 10, leaving behind his wife Michelle “Mia” Amaya, M.D., and two sons, Matthew and Andrew. Kilby was 51. Best remembered for his work with HIV and AIDS, both in Africa and the Deep South, Kilby began his career at Kilby the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he served as medical director of the 1917 Clinic, a comprehensive AIDS treatment and research center. “It was a somber time,” Kilby recalled in a 2014 interview with MUSC’s Department of Global Health. The route of transmission of the disease was poorly understood, he said, and he wanted to contribute to knowledge of the disease and, eventually, a cure. Kilby continued his research at MUSC, working to end the stigma associated with HIV screening by integrating the HIV testing into routine health screenings and implementing an opt-out testing policy.
This has been particularly beneficial in South Carolina. In the United States, more than half of new AIDS cases are diagnosed in the South. This region also has the highest death rate due to HIV in the country. Kilby dedicated his life to changing those trends through educational outreach and by improving access to care. He ran the federally-funded Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, an organization that works with cities, states and community–based organizations to ensure HIV treatment and services are provided to those lacking sufficient health coverage or financial resources to cope with what can be a very expensive disease. Kilby also pioneered groundbreaking antiretroviral and immune–based “Dr. Kilby was a kind and compassionate physician devoted to taking care of South Carolina’s HIV/ AIDS population.” Valerie Assey, R.N. Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, Division of Infectious Diseases “Dr. Kilby always made every person feel valued and that their opinion mattered no matter their title. Our clinic will forever be grateful to have worked with such a caring and insightful person.” Megan Ohorodynk, R.N., 10 West Orthopedics/Trauma; Morgan Johnson, R.N., RT Infectious Disease Clinic; Marie Ladson, RT Infectious Diseases Clinic
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therapies, including clinical and translational studies leading to the development of Fuzeon, also known as T–20, a fusion inhibitor that can provide life–saving treatment for patients with advanced AIDS. His family knew him as a true Renaissance man. He loved spending
time with them, including his dog, Eddie. He enjoyed stamp collecting and writing reviews of the latest music and films. He ran his first marathon in 2014 and was training for many more to come. An outpouring of emotion from Kilby’s colleagues show how they, too, thought the world of him.
“Michael was an incredibly gifted clinician, teacher and mentor who wore his heart on his sleeve. Infectious Diseases lost a true ambassador. You could readily see his enthusiasm for his work, family and friends. He was easily the most genuine person I knew. I remember the things we had in common which included a love of music and poetry. He would routinely share his new and old favorites with me, left in my mailbox with a short, witty note. I’m glad I kept all those notes as a reminder of his friendship. I will miss him every day.” Cassandra D. Salgado, M.D. Division of Infectious Diseases
person and leader. His time with us was too short, but I feel blessed that I had the privilege to work under him, even for just a little while. He cared deeply for his patients and had the ability to make each staff member feel as if they were the most important member of the team. Most of all, I remember how much he loved his wife. This was evident in the way he loved to talk about her and spend time with her. Dr. Kilby, we will miss your smile, your sense of humor, your leadership, your love. Words cannot begin to describe how our hearts break.” Rebekah Shinta Division of Infectious Diseases
“Dr. Kilby was just such an amazing
See Kilby on page 11
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Division of Infectious Disease professor and director Dr. John M. Kilby died suddenly on Aug. 10. Kilby is pictured with his family, wife, Michelle and sons, Matthew and Andrew.