Joist, Johann Heinrich b. January 9, 1935; Bergisch-Gladbach (Westphalia), Prussia d. February 13, 2004; St. Louis, Missouri
German American scientist and physician. After completing medical education in Germany, Joist’s research interests led him to do postgraduate work in the United States. After further research and study in Germany and Canada, he became a professor of medicine in St.
Louis. There, in addition to his research and teaching, he actively promoted international cooperation among researchers and physicians, particularly in third world countries.After graduation from the Gymnasium (academic high school) in Bergisch-Glad- bach in 1955, Joist studied medicine at the universities of Cologne, Freiburg, and Innsbruck. In 1962 the University of Cologne awarded Joist the degree of doctor of medicine. Following graduation Joist undertook postgraduate research in hematology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri; the University of Cologne, West Germany; and McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. In 1977 McMaster University awarded him a PhD for his work in the rheological aspects of platelet function. In 1972 Joist joined the faculty of medicine of Washington University in St. Louis. In 1978 he moved to St. Louis University. He was still actively researching and teaching there when he died of mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure apparently occurring during his research decades before.
Joist combined an active research agenda with service as a caring physician. He published extensively on blood-related diseases. One of his areas of research was radiosynovectomy, a nonsurgical procedure to improve joint mobility after recurrent joint bleeds in hemophilia patients, a leading cause of their disability. He founded and directed the Hemophilia Treatment Center in St. Louis. At the St. Louis universities he established specialized reference laboratories where he standardized tests for diagnosing and treating unusual bleeding and clotting disorders. When the AIDS virus swept the world, he treated many patients who got AIDS after HIV-infected blood transfusions.
Joist was known as a devoted teacher. He helped many students and colleagues in their scientific careers. He was particularly active in promoting international cooperation in research and treatment. In connection with the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), Joist established the Hemophilia Twinning Program between St. Louis and Bangalore, India, which the federation recognized as the Twinning Program of the Year in 2001. In 2002 the National Hemophilia Foundation awarded Joist its physician of the year award.
James R. Maxeiner
References and Further Reading
Prange, Bethany. “Dr. Johann Heinrich Joist/ Hematologist, Professor.” St. Louis Post Dispatch, February 16, 2004, p. B5.