Judith A. Aberg, MD, FIDSA, is an internationally recognized leader in HIV and infectious diseases whose extraordinary commitment to mentorship has profoundly shaped the careers of generations of clinicians, researchers and public health leaders. Her mentorship has transformed trainees into national leaders, physician-scientists and advocates, leaving an indelible mark on the field.
Dr. Aberg is particularly renowned for her mentorship of women and underrepresented trainees in ID, ensuring that all individuals receive the guidance and opportunities they need to excel.
A renowned HIV researcher, Dr. Aberg has been instrumental in developing national, state and local guidelines for HIV prevention and the care of people with HIV. She is currently professor emeritus and very recently retired from serving as system chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai in New York City, where she has cultivated an environment of education, professional growth and scientific excellence. Her influence extends nationally, playing a pivotal role in HIV prevention and care guidelines and providing mentees opportunities in research, policy and advocacy.
Dr. Aberg’s impact is particularly evident in the mentorship programs she has built and sustained. As previous director of virology and leader of the AIDS Clinical Trials Unit at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital, and most recently as dean of system operations for clinical sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, she has cultivated environments where trainees thrive. Many of her mentees have gone on to hold nationally prominent roles in academia, industry and public health.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Aberg served on the National Institutes of Health
COVID Guidelines Committee and offered insights from the devastating experiences at Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Aberg’s mentorship and leadership were invaluable throughout the pandemic as she guided her trainees and colleagues through unprecedented challenges with fortitude, compassion and scientific integrity.
Dr. Aberg leads by example, demonstrating compassion and dedication to advancing the field of ID. She celebrates the successes of her trainees and helps them navigate challenges with wisdom and encouragement. She actively pursues opportunities for her trainees and mentees based on their individual strengths and curiosity.
Dr. Aberg's mentorship extends well beyond her institution. Her leadership as chair of HIVMA (2011-2012) and service on the IDSA Board of Directors (2013-2016) exemplifies her influence on a national level, advocating for policies that advance scientific understanding and work toward a just and equitable health care landscape.
IDSA is proud to recognize Dr. Aberg with the 2025 Walter E. Stamm Mentor Award for her unwavering commitment to mentorship and to nurturing future leaders in ID.