Avioli was widely regarded as a leading authority on osteoporosis and calcium metabolism. His distinguished career as a clinician, academician, and practicing endocrinologist covers more than 30 years of service. He was the founder and past president of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research and the founder and past president of the Association of Osteobiology. He was the Shoenberg Professor Medicine, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, and Director of the Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases at Washington University School of Medicine.