Physician Gives Back to Further Infectious Diseases Education & Training
Medicine was never simply a profession for Dr. Daniel Skiest. It was a lifelong commitment to helping shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. That vision will now live on through an endowment he established to support education, mentorship, and innovation at Baystate Health.
Dr. Skiest was drawn to the intellectual challenge and broad scope of infectious diseases. As a medical student, he was impressed by the infectious disease doctors, particularly their academic rigor and their passion. He liked the detective work involved in figuring out a difficult diagnosis. He also liked keeping up with the rapid pace of infectious diseases as new infectious pathogens and treatments emerged, and the need for continually learning, adapting, and collaborating in pursuit of better patient care. He also remained in awe of infectious diseases' potential speed in spreading and the scope of impact an infectious disease, whether caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, could have on a population. Emerging outbreaks, evolving pathogens, and the constant need for discovery fueled his passion to become the best researcher and physician he could be.
But beyond the science, Dr. Skiest valued the people. The practice of Infectious diseases allowed him to form lasting relationships with patients, caring for them through the most difficult moments. He found deep meaning in those connections and believed that listening, compassion, and trust were just as important as medical expertise.
His passion led him to play meaningful roles during pivotal moments in modern medicine. In the 1990s, Dr. Skiest helped lead clinical trials at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center that advanced treatment for HIV/AIDS during a public health crisis, helping advance lifesaving treatments and bring hope and progress to patients at a time when it was desperately needed.
Later, an opportunity brought Dr. Skiest and his family back home to Massachusetts where he helped Baystate Health establish its HIV research and education program, expanding infectious disease prevention, research, and care throughout western Massachusetts.
Over the past two decades, Dr. Skiest made his mark as a respected physician, educator, leader, and mentor at Baystate Health, serving as Chief of Infectious Diseases and subsequently as Vice Chair for Academic Affairs in the Department of Medicine, as well as Professor of Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School – Baystate.
His years of leadership and experience in infectious diseases became especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. As information evolved daily, Dr. Skiest helped guide Baystate Health’s response, developing care guidelines and supporting healthcare teams through a time of uncertainty and great challenge. “It was an extraordinary time,” he reflects. “Everyone across the health system came together toward one common goal: saving lives.”
Training and educating the next generation of infectious diseases physicians was one of the most rewarding aspects of his career. He was deeply committed to mentoring young physicians and helping create an environment where curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning could thrive. He believes that investing in education is essential to ensuring patients in Western Massachusetts continue to receive exceptional care close to home.
Even in retirement, Dr. Skiest’s commitment to advancing healthcare continues. Inspired by colleagues who established endowed lectureships to support ongoing education, he chose to create a lasting legacy of his own.
Dr. Skiest decided to make a special gift to Baystate Health Foundation to establish The Daniel J. Skiest, MD Endowed Fund for Infectious Diseases Education, which reflects what guided his decades in medicine: curiosity, compassion, collaboration, and lifelong learning. The fund also honors the memory of his beloved late wife, Suzette Damboise, MD, who served the Baystate Health community with dedication and compassion as an anesthesiologist.
The first Dr. Daniel J. Skiest Education Day, as part of Medicine Grand Rounds, will take place this coming fiscal year – bringing in a visiting speaker – a leader in the field of Infectious Diseases - to engage with faculty, students, and fellows.
“Infectious disease is so important at Baystate Health, especially as it is the main provider in western Massachusetts,” Dr. Skiest says. “Medicine is always changing. We have to keep learning, teaching, and sharing ideas to stay at the forefront of healthcare in our community. This fund helps foster that.”
Viewing philanthropy as “a powerful mechanism to advance medicine and improve patient care,” Dr. Skiest hopes his support will help ensure that future generations of physicians continue to grow, innovate, and provide outstanding care for the community he served so passionately throughout his career.
“As a pioneering leader in infectious diseases, Dr. Skiest devoted his career to advancing the field and sharing his knowledge to improve and save the lives of patients,” shares Dr. Armando Paez, MD, FACP, FIDSA, Chief of Infectious Diseases, Baystate Health. “This wonderful gift reflects his ongoing commitment to educating and mentoring the next generation of infectious diseases specialists equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to lead in an evolving healthcare environment. This enduring gift will permanently weave Dr. Skiest’s legacy into our Infectious Disease Programs and significantly improve access to high-quality care for generations to come.”
Through this endowment, Dr. Skiest’s legacy continues not only in the lives of patients he cared for, but in the physicians he inspired and the future of healthcare in this region. Thank you, Dr. Skiest!