In 1981, the first known AIDS patient in Pittsburgh was examined by Charles Rinaldo, PhD, who was investigating opportunistic infections in his early scientific career. Following this encounter, a Pitt medical student named David Lyter approached Rinaldo and the two would lay down the foundation for the Pitt Men’s Study. 

Initially comprising approximately 70 gay men and lacking official funding, the study experienced a transformative moment in 1983 when it was awarded $4.2 million and recruited more than 1,000 men to participate. Little did they anticipate that the study would, in the words of Dr. Rinaldo, ‘define the natural history of what was just then being called AIDS.’

In recognition of the profound impact of the Pitt Men’s Study and in continuation of our commitment to advancing HIV research, the Division of Infectious Diseases is proud to announce that we will be hosting a symposium this autumn. This symposium will serve as an opportunity to delve deeper into the legacy of the Pitt Men’s Study, reflect on its pivotal role in shaping our understanding of HIV, and explore avenues for further advancements in this critical field of study. 

For the full story, check out this Post-Gazette article acknowledging four decades of HIV research and look out for more details on this important event. 

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “‘It’s the Greatest Living Experiment’: Pitt Men’s Study Marks 40 Years of AIDS Research”