Josh Levitsky MD, MS, FAST, FAASLD

A Tribute to AASLD Member, Dr. Josh Levitsky 

Josh Levitsky MD, MS, FAST, FAASLD took on many roles during his 20 years as a transplant hepatologist. His career can be recognized as a “tour de force” in the field of hepatology and transplantation. He arrived at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Chicago, IL)  in 2005 eager to pursue research endeavors.   

Josh became enthralled with the field of immunology pertaining to all aspects of transplant which served as the foundation for him to become a world-renowned leader in transplant immunology. Immersed in the lab of Dr. Josh Miller, he was described as a sponge with an uncanny ability to absorb enormous amounts of scientific information. This dedication quickly led to him being awarded site and protocol PI for CTOT14 at Northwestern. His work on gene expression, tolerance and biomarkers recently culminated in a NIH U01 grant. In 2023, Josh was inducted into the American Society for Clinical Investigation.  

Josh’s true passion was being a mentor to countless fellows and residents. As a program director for the Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology fellowship program, Josh possessed a unique ability to ignite an enthusiasm within his fellows to search for ways to improve the lives of transplant recipients through research and innovation. The importance of providing excellent patient care via knowledge and compassion was imprinted upon anyone who rotated through his post-transplant clinics. He allowed his mentees to forge their own pathway while remaining a constant pillar in their lives years after leaving Northwestern. His legacy will forever be the impact he had on the lives of his mentees.  

Josh served in various leadership roles in his career. He was Chief of Hepatology at Northwestern University, where he led with humility, integrity, and vision. His pursuit was to continuously elevate the institution on a national level and to provide medical education that was second to none.  

Josh was passionate about advocacy in transplantation on a national and international scale, in particular investing in the training workforce. He served for many years on the AASLD Training and Workforce Committee and was an active member of the Liver Transplantation and Surgery Special Interest Group (SIG), where he also served as SIG Chair. Early in his career, Josh was also the recipient of an AASLD Foundation Young Investigators Award, and as a result, gave freely of his time to mentor future Foundation awardees. Finally, Josh served the American Society for Transplantation (AST) in a multitude of ways culminating in his presidency from 2023 to 2024.    

Josh was not only a leader in the community, but also anyone who was fortunate enough to know him knew that the most beloved aspect of his life was his family: Rachel, his wife, and children, Mia and Ben. To describe him as an immensely dedicated husband and father is an understatement. Josh would beam with pride whenever he spoke of his family while wearing a huge, genuine smile. His office was filled with pictures and art projects from Mia and Ben’s early years—some of his most prized possessions. While he worked tremendously hard, time with his family was sacred.   

The passing of Dr. Josh Levitsky has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. The transplant and AASLD community will be forever grateful and beholden for all his contributions to the field and the leaders he has helped shape. We can be comforted in knowing that his memory will live on through all the patients and colleagues he has irrevocably touched.    

Written by: 

Laura Kulik, MD 

AASLD Member