Memories of John Fahey and His Contributions to the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS)

Abstract

John Fahey was an integral member of the small group of investigators who developed the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) in the early 1980s. A major research theme in the MACS was defining immune system changes in men at risk for developing AIDS. John's experience and expertise provided a solid grounding for the immunologic investigations conducted in the MACS. Additionally, he contributed enormously to the science of the MACS and pioneered the critical evaluation of serologic methods of documenting infection with HIV and T cell phenotyping. Perhaps most importantly, John recruited key new investigators to the MACS, and worked closely with the original MACS investigators to create a structure that promoted scientific innovation, openness, and the ability to quickly respond to emerging research themes.