He was a pioneer in the fields of pathology and physiology and was a highly respected expert in chronic diseases of the heart.
[2] He was elected to the American Philosophical Society for outstanding scientific contributions to the study of heart disease, particularly cholesterol and arteriosclerosis.
Boas was an early advocate of a universal health care system and insurance, and equal distribution of medical services.
In addition to his medical director and teaching positions, he also served on a variety of public health committees organized by New York City government.
He also worked against discrimination of any form; for instance, he was instrumental in the appointment of African-American physicians and nurses to hospital staffs.