Andy Choi, MD

Biography

December 17, 1975 - August 15, 2010

Andy Choi, MD, MAS, passed away unexpectedly on August 15, 2010. The CFAR and UCSF community at large is profoundly shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of one of our most outstanding and leading HIV/AIDS research scientists. Since arriving at UCSF to train in Nephrology in 2004, Andy has been recognized as a rising star on the national and international scene, on track to become one of the world's leading experts in HIV related kidney disease.

Words will never adequately express our profound sense of loss to CFAR with Andy's passing. Therefore, we have decided to re-name our Mentoring Program in his honor, The Andy I. Choi Mentoring Program of the UCSF-GIVI Center for AIDS Research. We have also dedicated this webpage to Andy's legacy to share with the entire UCSF community. Andy joined the CFAR Mentoring program (under James Kahn) in 2005 and received guidance and support from his mentor, Paul Volberding, who personally guided and nurtured his career. Andy was poised to become one of the few leading experts in his field. He had recently been promoted to Assistant Director of Nephrology and HIV at the VA Medical Center. His research addressed the risk of kidney disease in HIV infected persons and was a crucial part of a large and exciting effort to understand why HIV appears to cause a variety of organ damage despite otherwise fully effective antiretroviral therapy. In all his work, Andy was a master at collaboration and had drawn together a team that could have taught us many important lessons.

Most of us knew Andy, the scientist, but since the news of his passing spread among us, we have learned of, Andy the man, friend and father. Andy was also devoted to his church and spent his early years involved in missionary work along with his family. At his memorial, one of his college friends referred to Andy as the ideal man because he excelled at everything from playing sports to becoming a leading research scientist. Andy was a quiet, modest and unassuming professional, with a sharp analytic mind who was generous with his time. He gave his attention freely to the many friends and colleagues who sought him out.

He left behind his wife, Nahyion Kim, and their two daughters, Allison (age 7) and Charlotte (age 3). Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this most difficult time.