An internationally known clinician and immunologist, Dr. Michael Gottlieb made medical history when he identified AIDS as a new disease in 1981. 

He was the first author of the June 5, 1981 report to CDC describing Pneumocystis pneumonia in previously healthy homosexual men. The date of publication of that MMWR report is the official start date of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Dr. Gottlieb also first reported the CD-4 T cell deficiency that is the immunologic hallmark associated with HIV infection.

Through his association with Elizabeth Taylor and his treatment of Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Glaser he has helped evolve the world’s attitude toward people with HIV/AIDS. Where there was fear and judgment there is now compassion and concern. Committed to seeking justice for all people affected by the disease, he has served as an advocate in Washington, D.C. and has worked to provide AIDS relief in Malawi, Africa through the Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (www.thegaia.org).  A legend in his field, Dr. Gottlieb has provided direct care for patients with HIV for nearly 40 years. He has played a role in the evolution of treatments that allow patients to live productive lives despite the virus. He has authored numerous publications on HIV/AIDS and its treatment.

Dr. Gottlieb has been involved with AIDS for the life of the epidemic, and continues to provide care as a full-time clinician at APLA Health in Los Angeles. He teaches medical students and residents as an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

He was instrumental in founding the American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFAR) and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and has served on the Boards of Directors of AmFAR, AIDS Project Los Angeles, the Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance, the Pasadena AIDS Services Center and the Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA).