Podcasts about Saag

In episode 87 of Going anti-Viral, we represent a panel discussion from September 3, 2026, as part of the IAS–USA Dialogue series Emerging Infections and Health Threats. This Dialogue is a must listen as our distinguished panel of infectious disease experts dives deep into some of the most pressing public health challenges facing the world today. Moderated by Carlos del Rio, MD, a Distinguished Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University School of Medicine, this Dialogue brings together world-class experts Yvonne Maldonado, MD, and Peter Chin-Hong, MD. The panel addresses the following pressing topics: -- Upcoming respiratory virus season: have we learned any lessons from Australia?-- New FDA-approved vaccines: updated COVID-19 vaccine and the first mRNA flu vaccine for the fall season-- Vaccination controversies: the politicization of the vaccination schedule, the resurgence of measles, and declining vaccine confidence-- Global outbreaks: Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda; cholera outbreaks in Sudan, Chad, and other African nations-- Emerging US health threats: chikungunya, Chagas, leishmaniasis, malaria, Dengue fever, and other diseases that were once considered nonendemic in the US are occurring with increasing frequency0:00 – Introduction 1:48– Reaction to recent measles deaths and update on status of the outbreak in the US11:15 – Update on the changes to the vaccination schedule 15:03 – The role of medical groups in making updated vaccine recommendations 26:20 – The mRNA influenza vaccine and research into the use of mRNA vaccines for cancer treatments30:01 – Update on summer foodborne outbreaks and surveillance36:17 – Audience questions on COVID-19, influenza, and mpox vaccination43:41 – Overview of alpha-gal syndrome48:21 – Impact of climate change and global travel on spread of mosquito and tick-borne diseases53:28 – Impact of cuts to public health on response to health threats like Ebola __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 86 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Brenda Crabtree-Ramírez joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss women and HIV in Latin America. Dr Crabtree-Ramírez is a Professor of the HIV Program at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. She has participated in Phase I to IV clinical trials evaluating therapies for HIV/AIDS and opportunistic infections and is the Principal Investigator in Mexico for the Caribbean, Central, and South America Network for HIV Epidemiology (CCASAnet). She has contributed to studies focused on sociodemographic factors, HIV-related comorbidities, women with HIV, aging with HIV, and advanced HIV disease. Dr Crabtree-Ramírez discusses the HIV epidemic in Latin America, focusing on women's unique challenges, access to care, and prevention strategies including PrEP and HPV vaccination. 0:00 – Introduction 1:36 – Challenges in HIV research and healthcare access in Latin America4:08 – Access to antiretroviral therapy and diagnosis gaps5:15 – Unique challenges faced by women with HIV and testing during pregnancy 8:11– Research on women and HIV in Latin America11:50 – CCASAnet and IeDEA network: data collection and insights13:46 – Barriers to care for women: transportation, stigma, and violence17:18 – Strategies to improve diagnosis and engagement in care20:57 – Prevention strategies: PrEP and community programs24:06 – Role of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention26:44 – Future directions and women's leadership in HIV research and call for continued advocacyResources:CCASAnet: https://www.ccasanet.org/IeDEA: https://www.iedea.org/ __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 85 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Andrea Gramatica joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the work of amfAR and how HIV research drives breakthroughs for other diseases. Dr Gramatica is Vice President of Research at amfAR and an expert in immunology and HIV virology with a research focus on viral persistence and immune modulation. Dr Gramatica is responsible for shaping the strategic direction of amfAR's research programs, including building upon existing research into HIV and other viral diseases, as well as addressing emerging public health challenges. Dr Gramatica discusses the history and impact of amfAR in HIV research, highlighting how philanthropic funding accelerated scientific breakthroughs. Dr Saag and Dr Gramatica also discuss amfAR's expanding research interest into cancer immunology and other diseases and discuss the outlook for the future and the use of AI in discovering new therapies.0:00 – Introduction 1:27 – What is amfAR and its role in the early response to HIV 4:28 – Key early grants and their impact on HIV treatment8:29 – amfAR's role in supporting early investigators 11:42 – amfAR's expanding research interest into cancer immunology and other diseases 16:38 – The next five to ten years in HIV research and the role in advancing research using AI21:52 – How to apply for grants at amfAR Resources:amfAR  – https://www.amfar.org/ amfAR on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@amfAR __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 84 of Going anti-Viral, Nicholas Enrich joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss his book Into the Wood Chipper: A Whistleblower's Account of How the Trump Administration Shredded USAID. Mr Enrich is a former civil servant who worked at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under 4 administrations. He served as the Bureau of Global Health director of policy, programs, and planning until January 2025, when he was designated as the USAID acting assistant administrator for global health. On March 2, 2025, he was placed on administrative leave for addressing the Trump administration dismantling of USAID. Mr Enrich provides an overview of the history and work of USAID prior to 2025 including the success of programs like the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and nutrition and food security programs. He then shares his firsthand account of the dismantling of USAID under the Trump administration including the actions by political appointees and staff from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Mr Enrich and Dr Saag explore the impact of the Administration's policy on global health, development, and international partnerships and discuss the long-term consequences of the dismantling of USAID.0:00 – Introduction 1:17 – What was USAID and its global impact before 20253:00 – USAID work in global health and food security5:10 – The inception and impact of PEPFAR8:07 – US politics and the continuity of USAID during the first Trump Administration13:29 – The executive order to freeze foreign aid and its implications15:37 – Legal questions around the executive order and appropriations law18:24 – Experience with DOGE and the management style of Elon Musk 21:30 – Stories of chaos by the DOGE team and destruction within USAID 26:17 – How the political leadership of USAID was unaware of the work of the agency and implications on current health outbreaks like Ebola 32:10 – The long-term consequences of dismantling USAID and rebuilding trust 40:33 – Nicholas Enrich's current work and future plansResources:Into the Wood Chipper: A Whistleblower's Account of How the Trump Administration Shredded USAIDhttps://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Into-the-Wood-Chipper/Nicholas-Enrich/9781668226957Cast of Hair perform Let The Sunshine In on The Ed Sullivan Show, March 30, 1969https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCXSA_biSw4&t=200s __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 83 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Steven Grinspoon joins host Dr Michael Saag to provide an update on guidelines for statin use in people with HIV based on results from the REPRIEVE trial. Dr Grinspoon is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a clinician in the Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Tumor Clinical Center and faculty member at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He is a clinical researcher who studies hypothalamic control of body weight and fat distribution in obesity and lipodystrophy with a focus on the metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of visceral fat accumulation. Dr Grinspoon is the author of more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and serves as the chief of the Massachusetts General Metabolism Unit and the director of the Nutrition Obesity Research Center at Harvard. Dr Grinspoon and Dr Saag discuss the latest findings from the REPRIEVE trial and provide updates on statin guidelines for people with HIV as well as providing insights into cardiovascular risk management. They discuss the safety and efficacy of statins and the role of cardiovascular risk calculators in clinical practice in addition to discussing the impact of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and inflammation on cardiovascular risk. Dr Grinspoon also offers his outlook for where further research is needed based on the outcomes of the REPRIEVE trial.0:00 – Introduction 1:33 – Overview of the REPRIEVE trial findings2:44 – Changes in statin guidelines for people with HIV 6:51 – Safety and efficacy of statins9:09 – Use of statins and diabetes risk11:16 – Cardiovascular risk calculators16:00 – Statin use and blood pressure17:14 – Impact of LDL cholesterol and inflammation on cardiovascular risk24:08 – Future directions in cardiovascular research for people with HIV  Resources:Going anti-Viral: Episode 56 – Cardiovascular Health in People with HIV – Dr Steven GrinspoonApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-management-of-cardiovascular-health-in-patients/id1713226144?i=1000725697103 YouTube:https://youtu.be/297vweZ5bjQ  REPRIEVE Trial: https://www.reprievetrial.org/ __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 82 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Tyler Evans joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda and the global response. Dr Evans is an infectious diseases and addiction medicine physician and CEO of Wellness Equity Alliance, a national organization advancing health equity in the US and globally. He is also an associate professor of population and public health sciences at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and the author of Pandemics, Poverty, and Politics, which examines how socially and politically determined inequalities, have consistently precipitated pandemics and public health emergencies. Dr Evans' work spans street medicine, HIV/AIDS care, and humanitarian response in complex emergencies, including 2 Ebola response missions. Dr Evans and Dr Saag discuss the current Ebola outbreak, its transmission, challenges in containment, and the likelihood for a vaccine. They also explore the impact of public trust on care and provide an update on the response from US and international agencies including a discussion of the risk for the outbreak to spread globally.  0:00 – Introduction 1:33 – Understanding Ebola: transmission and symptoms3:05 – Containment strategies for Ebola outbreaks7:39 – Challenges in surveillance and response11:09 – Urban spread of Ebola: risks and concerns12:43 – Vaccination strategies and developments15:58 – Conditions in treatment centers and the impact of public trust in the outbreak21:04 – Update on the response from US and international agencies and risk of spread to the US and globallyResources:Pandemics, Poverty, and Politics: https://www.tylerevansmd.com/ Wellness Equity Alliance: https://www.wellnessequityalliance.com/ __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

Summer, summer, summer tiiiiiime (sing it like Will Smith people!) Yeah - the heat is on and so is the Brownload! We're at the world famous Kanchans restaurant to share our latest events and life occurrences! We're discussing the World Cup, should we move back to India (do they even want us!) and Saag flavoured chocolate… yep, you heard that right!Also we're back at the London Podcast Festival 2026 on Thursday 10th of September back at Kings Place in Kings Cross! Get your tickets NOW! 

In episode 81 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Steven Deeks joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss recent research demonstrating the promise of a single shot in a functional cure of HIV. Dr Deeks is a Professor of Medicine in Residence at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and is a faculty member in the Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. He is an internationally recognized expert on HIV pathogenesis and treatment and is the contact principal investigator of the Delaney AIDS Research Enterprise (DARE), an NIH-funded international collaboratory aimed at developing therapeutic interventions to cure HIV infection. Dr Deeks and Dr Saag discuss why a cure for HIV is needed given the effectiveness antiretroviral therapy. Dr Deeks then outlines areas of research demonstrating promise for single-shot functional cures: vector immunotherapy, the use of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells, and stem cell approaches. Finally, Dr Deeks provides insights into future prospects in HIV cure research including his perspective on the funding and drug development landscape. 0:00 – Introduction 1:21 – The need for a cure beyond antiretroviral therapy5:37 – Overview of 1-shot cure research  12:40 – The promise of vector immunotherapy18:52 – Overview of the use of CAR-T cells 25:01 – The role of C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) and stem cell approaches26:36 – Prospects for the future of HIV cure research __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 80 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Jason Zucker joins host Dr Michael Saag to provide an update on the Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII) infection. Dr Zucker is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Columbia University and Assistant Medical Director of the New York City STD Prevention Training Center. Dr Zucker is an experienced HIV, HIV prevention, and sexual health care provider providing status-neutral care to patients of all ages in New York. His research focuses on the intersection of data science, behavioral science, and implementation science. Dr Zucker discusses the emerging dermatophyte infection TMVII, its transmission, clinical presentation, and diagnosis. Dr Zucker and Dr Saag also detail treatment strategies, emphasizing the significance in sexual health and STI management.0:00 – Introduction 1:21 – Background, epidemiology and transmission 5:58 – Clinical presentation and diagnosis 9:18 – Treatment protocols for TMVII11:32 – Challenges and considerations in management of TMVII15:38 – Future outlook and final thoughts Resources: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) - Notes from the Field: Trichophyton mentagrophytes Genotype VII — New York City, April–July 2024https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7343a5.htmGoing anti-Viral: Episode 30 - Update on Mpox - a Public Health Emergency - Dr Jason ZuckerYouTube:  https://youtu.be/GTwXSvkcJ74 Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-30-update-on-mpox-a-public-health-emergency/id1713226144?i=1000675771251 __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 79 of Going anti-Viral, we represent a panel discussion from June 9, 2026, as part of the IAS–USA Dialogue series Emerging Infections and Health Threats. This Dialogue is a must listen as our distinguished panel of infectious disease experts dives deep into some of the most pressing public health challenges facing the world today. Moderated by Carlos del Rio, MD, a Distinguished Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University School of Medicine, this Dialogue brings together world-class experts Yvonne Maldonado, MD of Stanford University, and Peter Chin-Hong, MD, of the University of California San Francisco. The panel discusses the impact of the World Cup on public health as well as providing updates on current health threats including hantavirus, Ebola, measles, alpha-gal syndrome, and influenza. The panel also provides an update on alpha-gal syndrome and tick-borne diseases, as well as a discussion about an effort by Google to control diseases spread by mosquitoes. Finally, the panelists discuss the risk of the New World screwworm fly to livestock and humans, an outbreak of Campylobacter from the consumption of raw milk, and the impact of the World Cup on influenza in the US.0:00 – Introduction 1:32 – Impact of the World Cup travel on public health7:10 – Lessons learned from the hantavirus outbreak 13:42 – Status of Ebola outbreak, treatment options, and vaccine development25:18 – Update on measles in the US and public health response37:22 – Overview of alpha-gal syndrome and tick-borne diseases42:20 – Update on the Google Debug project45:31 – Risk of the New World screwworm fly to livestock and humans 47:42 – Outbreak of Campylobacter from the consumption of raw milk52:59 – Overview of influenza season in southern hemisphere and risk to the US57:46 – Closing remarks __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 78 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Rajesh T. Gandhi joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the process of guidelines development. Dr Gandhi is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Principal Investigator and Co-Director of the Harvard University Center for AIDS Research (CFAR). Dr Gandhi is the Vice-Chair of the ACTG, Vice-Chair of the Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel, Chair of the International Antiviral Society-USA Panel on Antiretroviral Drugs for Treatment and Prevention of HIV in Adults, and the Lead Editor for Infectious Diseases, NEJM Clinician. Dr Gandhi and Dr Saag explore the intricate process of developing HIV treatment guidelines, including evidence review, panel selection, and updates on new topics like transgender care and substance use disorders. They discuss how guidelines are created, their impact on clinical practice, and future directions in HIV care.0:00 – Introduction 1:54 – The purpose and impact of guidelines4:00 – Panel composition and selection process6:00 – Guideline structure and key updates12:34 – Emerging topics: transgender care and transplant medicine14:31 – Substance use disorders and treatment innovations16:03 – Evidence-based recommendations and their strength22:07 – Guidelines development process and team dynamics24:42 – Living guidelines versus published documents28:41 – Closing thoughts and future directionsResources: Going-anti-Viral: Episode 32 - Update on the New Antiretroviral Therapy Guidelines - Dr Rajesh GandhiYouTube:  https://youtu.be/G7FQTInz-dY Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-32-update-on-the-new-antiretroviral-therapy/id1713226144?i=1000678818027 __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 77 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Debika Bhattacharya joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and vaccination. Dr Bhattacharya is a Clinical Professor at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine and specializes in the management of HIV and HIV/viral hepatitis coinfection and sees patients with viral hepatitis and HIV/viral hepatitis coinfection at UCLA and its affiliated clinics. Her research involves viral hepatitis clinical therapeutics and long-term clinical outcomes in persons with HIV/viral hepatitis or viral hepatitis alone. Dr Saag and Dr Bhattacharya discuss HBV infection and vaccination, especially among people with HIV addressing prevalence, serology interpretation, vaccination strategies, and management of hepatitis B in the context of HIV treatment. They also reinforce the need for more research into therapies that will lead to a cure for hepatitis B. 0:00 – Introduction 1:16 – Understanding hepatitis B and its impact on people with HIV  2:56 – Vaccination strategies for hepatitis B 4:53 – Interpreting hepatitis B serology results 8:38 – Vaccination protocols and recommendations 13:19 – Managing patients with hepatitis B 14:29 – Long-acting therapies and hepatitis B risks 17:29 – Screening and monitoring for hepatitis B 19:01 – Navigating core antibody positivity 23:36 – The importance of antibody titers 28:23 – Final thoughts on hepatitis B management Resources: Going-anti-Viral: Episode 31 - Will we ever have a cure for hepatitis B? - Dr Kenneth ShermanYouTube:  https://youtu.be/yh48RFOrISk Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-31-will-we-ever-have-a-cure-for-hepatitis-b/id1713226144?i=1000677466892 __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 76 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Kelly Gebo joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the impact of long-acting injectable HIV treatments on public health. Dr Gebo is Dean of the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University. An infectious disease physician-scientist, educator, and accomplished academic leader, Dr Gebo's work focuses on health equity, access to care, and outcomes for people affected by infectious diseases such as HIV, COVID-19, and Mpox. Dr Gebo and Dr Saag discuss the current state of HIV epidemiology, the promise of long-acting injectables, and strategies to improve access and prevention efforts. Dr Saag and Dr Gebo also emphasize that advocacy is needed to expand access to long-acting injectable HIV treatments to reach at-risk populations.0:00 – Introduction 1:30 – Current epidemiology of HIV: a global and US perspective3:25 – Barriers to HIV screening and treatment6:27 – Exploring PrEP and long-acting injectables8:56 – Reaching at-risk populations for HIV prevention11:33 – Insurance coverage and access to HIV prevention13:59 – The role of primary care in HIV prevention16:27 – Advocacy for policy changes in HIV prevention23:53 – Implementation science and future directionsResources: The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Healthhttps://publichealth.gwu.edu/ __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

Arreaza: Welcome back tothe Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast! My name is Dr. Hector Arreaza, I am a family physician and faculty member in the Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program. Today I am joined by two excellent medical students who will introduce themselves now, welcome, guys! Mehr: Thank you for the introduction! My name is Mehr Boparai, third year medical student at WesternU COMP-NW. Jeremy: And my name is Jeremy Pan, also a third-year medical student at WesternU COMP Pomona and we will be discussing a very prevalent topic today in the clinical world that is arguably becoming one of the biggest threats to modern medicine: antibiotic resistance. Mehr: That's right! Imagine this scenario: a routine infection, something we've treated easily for decades, suddenly becomes life-threatening because the drugs we always thought we could rely on just don't work anymore. You likely ran into this problem just last week with one of your patients! That's not science fiction. That's happening every day in hospitals across the world. Dr. Arreaza: I agree, antibiotic resistance must be taken seriously. I increased my awareness in 2023, when I attended a medical research conference in Carmel(which is a popular conference that takes place in that beautiful town). I heard Dr. David Gilbert, a famous and accomplished ID doctor who helped develop the Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy, he warned everyone about antibiotic resistance as one of the biggest threats for humanity, the other two were a nuclear bomb and an epidemic. Jeremy: Woah, comparing antibiotic resistance to a nuclear bomb is absolutely crazy, but likely very real!! Well today, we're going to be focusing on five of the most common infections or “bugs” you'll see in a hospital setting. We'll talk about what typically causes them, what antibiotics we used to rely on, and what happens when resistance decides to enter the picture. Mehr: If you are a medical student (or resident), you understand that dreaded feeling when an attending asks “what antibiotics should we start?” But don't worry, in this episode, we hope to address the decision-making process in a simple framework. What is Antibiotic Resistance? Dr. Arreaza:  Before we jump into specific common infections and pathogens, let's cover our basics. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to survive drugs designed to kill them. This can happen through genetic mutations or by getting resistance genes from other bacteria. Why does this matter? Jeremy: It matters because antibiotics play a huge role in modern medicine. Without them, surgeries, chemotherapy, organ transplants—even childbirth—become significantly more dangerous. Mehr: According to the CDC, in the U.S. alone, antibiotic-resistant infections affect over 2.8 million people each year and cause more than 35,000 deaths! So, when we talk about resistance, we're not just talking about inconvenience for treatments. We're talking about a fundamental threat to healthcare. Staph aureus Dr. Arreaza: So, if you have a patient who comes in with a skin infection or is maybe showing signs of pneumonia or bacteremia, what is one of the most common bugs that you should think about? Jeremy: Staph aureus! Typically to treat methicillin-sensitive strains (MSSA), we would utilize antibiotics like nafcillin, oxacillin, or cefazolin. But there is one strain in particular that is worrisome, Mehr? Mehr: yeap, that would have to be MRSA, one of the most well-known resistant organisms. MRSA is resistant to all beta-lactam antibiotics, which means we can say goodbye to all penicillin and most cephalosporins. Dr. Arreaza: And what is the first antibiotic that comes to mind if we see MRSA on a culture in the hospital? Mehr: Vancomycin! Alternative treatments include linezolid and daptomycin depending on the type of infection. But what is the problem that we are starting to see? Jeremy: You guessed it, cases of resistance to vancomycin are starting to appear—VRSA. These cases are still uncommon today, but these findings show a worrying trend, that we will eventually start running out of reliable options. Dr. Arreaza: Fortunately, VRSA infections are extremely rare, with only 14-16 documented cases in the United States. As of 2019, 52 VRSA strains have been identified in the United States, India, Iran, Pakistan, Brazil, and Portugal. Let's keep an eye on VRSA in the future.  E. coli Dr. Arreaza: Alright, so let's say you have a patient with dysuria, urinary frequency, maybe even a catheter in place. What's the most common bug you're thinking of? Mehr: That one's a classic, we are thinking E. coli. Jeremy: Exactly. E. coli is the leading cause of urinary tract infections, especially in both community and hospital settings. Dr. Arreaza: So Jeremy, what are we using for uncomplicated UTIs? Jeremy: We usually think of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, or sometimes fosfomycin. And in more complicated cases, we might consider fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin. Mehr: But here's where things get tricky. Resistance to TMP-SMX and fluoroquinolones has been increasing significantly. In some areas, resistance rates are over 20–30%, which really changes your empiric choices. Conclusion: Dr. Arreaza: So we've talked about five major organisms today: Staph aureus, E. coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and C. diff. What's the overarching takeaway of the discussion? Jeremy: The main takeway is that antibiotic resistance is already here, and it's affecting some of the most common infections we see in clinical practice on a day-to-day basis. Mehr: And as students and future physicians, it's important to not just memorize antibiotics, but understand why we're choosing them. Dr. Arreaza: Exactly. Always think: What organism am I targeting? What are the local resistance patterns? And can I narrow therapy once I have cultures? Jeremy: And maybe most importantly—don't overuse antibiotics, especially in cases when they're not needed. Mehr: Because the more we use them, the faster we lose them. Dr. Arreaza: I'd like to share the story I listed to in a RadioLab episode about Dr Steffanie A. Strathdee, one of the most influential ID doctors in the world and Co-Director at the Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics (IPATH). She shared that her husband got infected by Acinetobacter baumannii, an opportunistic infection that can cause severe infection. After trying many antibiotics, he was treated with “phages”, “bacteriophages”. So, that's part of “thinking out of the box”. Jeremy: Thank you all for tuning in to the Rio Bravo qWeek podcast series and thank you Dr. Arreaza for having Mehr and me on the podcast today! Stay informed, stay curious—and we'll see you next time Mehr: Guys! I had so much fun! We hope this episode helped simplify antibiotic selection for the most common infections and bugs seen in a hospital setting and gave you a framework you can for initial treatments and cases of antibiotic resistance. Thanks for hanging out with us!  Dr. Arreaza: And remember, antibiotics are one of the most powerful tools we have in medicine. Let's use them wisely. This is Dr. Arreaza, signing off.  _____________________ References: Radiolab. (2026, March 27). Antibiotic apocalypse. WNYC Studios. https://radiolab.org/podcast/antibiotic-apocalypse Metlay, J. P., Waterer, G. W., Long, A. C., et al. (2019). Diagnosis and treatment of adults with community-acquired pneumonia: An official clinical practice guideline of the American Thoracic Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 200(7), e45–e67. https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guideline/community-acquired-pneumonia-cap-in-adults/ Gilbert, D. N., Chambers, H. F., Saag, M. S., et al. (2026). The Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy (56th ed.). Antimicrobial Therapy, Inc. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, September 17). Antibiotic stewardship resource bundles. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/hcp/educational-resources/stewardship/index.html Theme song, Works All The Time by Dominik Schwarzer, YouTube ID: CUBDNERZU8HXUHBS, purchased from https://www.premiumbeat.com/.   Even without trying, every night you go to bed a little wiser. Thanks for listening to Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast. We want to hear from you, send us an email at RioBravoqWeek@clinicasierravista.org, or visit our website riobravofmrp.org/qweek. See you next week!

In episode 75 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Shibani Mukerji joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss a presentation she gave at the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) entitled Cognitive Aging in HIV: Clinical Assessment and Management. Dr Mukerji is an Associate Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and is a practicing neurologist in the Department of Neurology and Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital. Her research focuses on HIV pathogenesis in the central nervous system and her clinical focus is neurology-infectious diseases, with specific interests in neurological complications and aging in people living with HIV. Dr Mukerji shares her journey in neurology, her research on HIV and neurological complications, and insights into brain health in aging populations, especially those with HIV. Dr Mukerji and Dr Saag offer practical approaches to cognitive assessment, sleep, mood, and movement issues, emphasizing a longitudinal, patient-centered model of care. 0:00 – Introduction 2:07 – Dr Mukerji 's journey in neurology and infectious diseases7:39 – Cognitive aging in HIV: clinical assessment and management13:26 – Understanding cognitive health in HIV patients18:29 – Assessment and management of depression, sleep, and movement disorders 26:26 – Impact of hearing loss and emotional health on cognitive impairment31:15 – The Valcour tripod: cognitive, motor, and mood assessment34:15 – Future directions in HIV and neurology researchResources: CROI 2026: https://www.croiconference.org/View Dr Mukerji 's presentation at CROI 2026: https://www.croiwebcasts.org/p/2026croi/croi/20 View Presentation by Dr Victor Valcour at CROI 2019: https://www.croiwebcasts.org/p/2019croi/159 __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

En este episodio de El Brieff, analizamos la escalada de tensión global con el bloqueo marítimo de EE. UU. en el Golfo de Omán y el choque ideológico sin precedentes entre el Papa León XIV y Donald Trump. En el plano nacional, desmenuzamos el impacto de la TUA en los aeropuertos sedes del Mundial 2026, la detención de Rafael Zaga Tawil y la astuta jugada de la automotriz china SAAG para esquivar aranceles. Además, la caída de Herdez en bolsa y la crisis del lujo en LVMH.Este episodio es traído a ustedes por STRTGY, la herramienta de location intelligence líder para el sector proveedor de materiales para la construcción en México. Deja de adivinar dónde abrir tu próxima sucursal. Con STRTGY, localizas a tu cliente ideal a nivel manzana. Visita www.strtgy.ai para agendar una demo.Si te interesa una mención en El Brieff, escríbenos a arturo@strtgy.aiRecibe gratis nuestro newsletter con las noticias más importantes del día.Si te interesa una mención en El Brieff, escríbenos a arturo@strtgy.ai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 74 of Going anti-Viral, Dr John Frater joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss a presentation he gave at the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) entitled Immunology of HIV Cure and Beyond: Navigating Immunology Presentations at CROI 2026.  Dr Frater is a Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Oxford where he leads the HIV Reservoir and Cure Group. The aim of his research is to explore strategies for targeting the reservoir of latent HIV infection in treated individuals, with a specific interest in primary HIV infection. He is a lead investigator on several major HIV clinical studies, many of which include antiretroviral therapy treatment interruptions. His laboratory focus is on immune responses that may lead to viral control and the impact of viral variation. Dr Frater and Dr Saag discuss the basics of HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy as well as the barriers to HIV cure. They also address complexities of HIV latency and the challenges in identifying and eliminating latent reservoirs. Dr Frater addresses the promising strategies involving immune responses in targeting reservoirs and the role of early treatment in HIV cure.  0:00 – Introduction 2:15 – Basics of HIV infection and the barrier to HIV cure: latently infected cells3:56 – Why do some cells die after 1 day6:04 – Strategies to identify and eliminate latently infected cells8:52 – The role of immune responses in targeting reservoirs11:42 – Timing of reservoir establishment and early treatment 16:49 – Measuring the latent reservoir: challenges and methods18:16 – The London Patient and cure evidence22:14 – Future directions and hope for HIV cureResources: CROI 2026: https://www.croiconference.org/ View Dr Frater's presentation at CROI 2026: https://www.croiwebcasts.org/p/2026croi/croi/CR-55003 __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 73 of Going anti-Viral, we represent a panel discussion from March 26, 2026, as part of the IAS–USA Dialogue series Emerging Infections and Health Threats. This Dialogue is a must listen as our distinguished panel of infectious disease experts dives deep into some of the most pressing public health challenges facing the world today. Moderated by Carlos del Rio, MD, a Distinguished Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University School of Medicine, this Dialogue brings together world-class experts Yvonne Maldonado, MD, and Peter Chin-Hong, MD. The panel discusses a recent federal court ruling regarding the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and addresses the latest news on rates of vaccination and an update on emerging viral outbreaks, including measles, influenza, COVID-19, meningitis, tuberculosis, mpox, and RSV. The panel also reflects on the implications of the lack of leadership at the CDC on public health.0:00 – Introduction 2:33 – March 2026 federal court ruling pausing the work of the ACIP7:08 – Review of the reduction in immunization rates in the US12:51 – Measles cases in the US and efforts to address misinformation20:28 – Breaking down recent influenza rates 25:42 – Update on COVID-19 – variants and vaccination33:42 – Leadership gap at the CDC and implications for public health 41:35 – Meningitis outbreak in England and status of vaccination in the US49:46 – Increase in cases of tuberculosis in the US56:45 – Update on mpox cases and vaccination59:12 – Brief review of RSV cases and vaccination and closing remarks __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 72 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Alan Winston joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss a presentation he gave at the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) entitled Neurodegeneration and Dementia Risk in Older Adults With HIV: Biomarkers and Epidemiology. Dr Winston is a Professor of HIV and Genitourinary Medicine at Imperial College London and Consultant Physician at St. Mary's Hospital, London. His research focuses on noninfectious comorbidities associated with HIV in the modern antiretroviral era, with a strong focus on central nervous system complications. He is the principal clinical investigator on the POPPY study, a cohort study describing the incidence and nature of comorbidities in HIV. Dr Winston and Dr Saag discuss the history and current understanding of neurodegeneration and dementia risk in older adults with HIV and review the impact of antiretroviral therapy and neuroinflammation. They review clinical assessment and screening for dementia and neurodegenerative disease including a detailed discussion of imaging techniques and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) examination.0:00 – Introduction 1:30 – HIV and neurodegeneration4:37 – Current manifestations of CNS disease in older adults with HIV8:28 – Assessing cognitive health in older adults with HIV12:29 – Screening for dementia and neurodegenerative disease18:20 – Neuropsychometric testing, CSF examination, and management of CSF escape24:23 – Imaging techniques and future directionsResources:CROI 2026: https://www.croiconference.org/ __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections.Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 71 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Peter Hunt joins host Dr Michael Saag to provide a review of the science presented at the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI). Dr Hunt is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco and is the Associate Chief for Research in the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital Department of Medicine, and Co-Director of the UCSF-Bay Area Center for AIDS Research for Basic and Translational Science. He was also a Vice Chair of the Scientific Program Committee for CROI 2026. Dr Hunt provides an in-depth overview of the key scientific presentations at CROI, highlighting breakthroughs in HIV research, pediatric HIV treatment, biology of the HIV capsid, vaccine research, and innovative therapies. Dr Hunt and Dr Saag also discussed new antiretroviral formulations and highlights of the state of HIV cure research.0:00 – Introduction 1:13 – Valganciclovir in infants with HIV and CMV pneumonia4:25 – Differences between pediatric and adult CMV infection7:34 – Plenary by Dr Wesley Sundquist on structural biology and the HIV capsid12:00 – Other plenary presentations at CROI 202614:27 – Powerful Martin Delaney presentation by Peter Staley15:50 – Plenary by Dr Jeanne Marrazzo on Doxy PEP and resistance concerns16:30 – Vaccine development and neutralizing antibodies by Dr Kevin Saunders17:25 – New symposium: Hot Takes on the Clinical Highlights of CROI 202619:38 – New antiretroviral formulations and long-acting agents25:10 – HIV cure research, overview of TACK agents, and a poster on an efavirenz intensification study28:39 – A look ahead to CROI 2027 and closing remarks Resources:Watch Peter Staley's presentation at CROI 2026 YouTubeGoing-anti-Viral: Episode 70 - Peter Staley Apple PodcastsGoing-anti-Viral: Episode 69 - Dr Kevin Saunders Apple PodcastsCROI 2026: https://www.croiconference.org/__________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 70 of Going anti-Viral, Peter Staley joins host Dr Michael Saag after giving the Martin Delaney presentation at the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) entitled ''Annus Horribilis" and The War on Science: Thoughts on Resisting and Rebuilding. Mr Staley shares his inspiring story as a pioneering HIV and LGBTQ+ rights activist, recounting his journey from the early days of the AIDS crisis to groundbreaking activism leading to a seat at the table with clinicians and researchers in bringing life-saving treatments to people with HIV and AIDS. Dr Saag and Mr Staley also reflect on the recent era of anti-science activism during the COVID-19 pandemic and share their advice for young researchers who may be the generation of scientists that bring about a cure for HIV.0:00 – Introduction 2:30 – The early days of AIDS awareness6:23 – Peter's reflections on his positive HIV test result10:46 – Transitioning from Wall Street to activism12:11 – The formation ACT UP and impact of Larry Kramer15:22 – Channeling anger into activism17:47 – Targeting the FDA and the fight for drug access20:26 – The role of the NIH and Tony Fauci 24:10 – The Parallel Track: access to experimental drugs25:40 – The role of the Treatment Action Group (TAG) and the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG)26:32 – The breakthrough: viral load and undetectable levels31:18 – Reflections on COVID-19: activism in a new era33:45 – Prep4All: advocating for access to PrEP38:38 – Advice for young clinicians and closing remarksResources:Watch Peter Staley's presentation at CROI 2026 ''Annus Horribilis" and The War on Science: Thoughts on Resisting and Rebuilding YouTube:  https://youtu.be/p5kqUujWPCs PrEP4All: https://prep4all.org/ CROI 2026: https://www.croiconference.org/ __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 69 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Kevin Saunders joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss a plenary presentation he gave at the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) entitled Successes in HIV-1 Vaccine Design: Accelerating Completion of One of Sciences' Most Difficult Vaccines. Dr Saunders is the associate director for the Duke Human Vaccine Institute and the Norman L. Letvin Professor in Immunology and Infectious Diseases Research. Dr Saunders leads a translational research program that designs and evaluates HIV-1 vaccines. Dr Saunders shares his journey from studying T-cell immunity to pioneering HIV vaccine research. He discusses the challenges of developing an HIV vaccine, the promise of broad neutralizing antibodies, and the innovative use of mRNA technology. Dr Saunders also shares his outlook and optimism for the next 5 years of HIV vaccine development including the use machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to accelerate the development timeline.0:00 – Introduction 1:36 – Path to HIV research and vaccine development3:50 – Understanding T-cell immunity and HIV6:53 – Transition to passive immunity and broad neutralizing antibodies11:35 – Challenges in developing an HIV vaccine15:25 – Current state of HIV vaccine research17:38 – The role of immunogens in vaccine development20:30 – Combining B-cell and T-cell responses24:59 – Prospect for a HIV vaccine within the next 5 yearsResources:CROI 2026: https://www.croiconference.org/Duke Human Vaccine Institute - https://dhvi.duke.edu/__________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 68 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Ruanne Barnabas joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss topic of a symposium session at the upcoming the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) entitled Strategic and Resilient Responses to the Funding Crisis Across Africa. Dr Barnabas is the Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital. Her work is focused on identifying effective and scalable HIV, HPV, and infectious diseases treatment and prevention strategies that increase access across diverse communities and promote equity in health. Dr Barnabas discusses the substantial progress made in global health, particularly in HIV treatment and prevention. She also discusses the impact of funding cuts from USAID on health systems and highlights with Dr Saag the importance of the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in delivering effective care. Dr Barnabas outlines the presentations to be given at the upcoming symposium at CROI 2026 addressing the HIV funding crisis, emphasizing community resilience, and the future of health equity.0:00 – Introduction1:29 – Overview of global health funding at the end of 20244:03 – Success of PEPFAR and USAID10:25 – Funding cuts and their consequences12:48 – Overview of the CROI 2026 symposium on the HIV funding crisis in Africa16:28 – Community perspectives and impact of new technologies18:08 – Lessons learned from funding cuts21:13 – Looking ahead: future of HIV and global health programsResources:CROI 2026: https://www.croiconference.org/Going-anti-Viral: Episode 43 - Innovations in HIV Service Delivery: Building a Path Forward with Those Left Behind - Dr Izukanji Sikazwe__________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 67 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Martin Hirsch joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss his career in HIV medicine, mentorship, and his scientific legacy. Dr Hirsch is a Professor Emeritus at Harvard Medical School and was Director of the Harvard Collaborative AIDS Treatment Evaluation Unit from 1986 to 2003 and Director of the Harvard Multidisciplinary AIDS Research Training Grant. Dr Hirsch's research focused on finding drug combinations that delay the development of multidrug resistance and reduce viral replication in HIV-1 infection. Dr Hirsch served as an Editorial Board member for numerous prestigious medical journals over the past 3 decades, including AIDS, the New England Journal of Medicine, Clinical Infectious Diseases, and the Journal of Infectious Diseases, where he was Editor-in-Chief. Dr Hirsch discusses his extensive career, the evolution of antiviral therapies, and the importance of mentorship in science. He reflects on his early experiences, the emergence of HIV, and the collaborative efforts that led to advancements in treatment. Dr Hirsch emphasizes the need for individualized mentorship and shares insights on the future of HIV research and his optimism for the potential of HIV prophylactic treatments.0:00 – Introduction1:50 – Early career and mentorship5:07 – Transitioning to HIV research7:55 – The emergence of antiretroviral therapies11:06 – The AIDS epidemic and initial cases14:30 – Collaboration in HIV research17:42 – The AZT trial and its impact20:16 – Navigating the shift from CMV to HIV22:39 – Antiretroviral resistance and combination therapy26:39 – The role of mentorship in science30:56 – Future directions in HIV researchResources:Going-anti-Viral: Episode 6 - A Conversation With Dr Anthony Fauci __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 66 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Nicolas Chomont joins host Dr Michael Saag to provide a preview of the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI). Dr Chomont is Chair of the Scientific Program Committee for CROI 2026 and is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, and Immunology at the Université de Montréal and a researcher at the CHUM Research Centre. Dr Chomont discusses CROI 2026, highlighting its significance in advancing HIV research and treatment. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the support for new investigators, and ongoing research for an HIV cure. The discussion provides the overall themes of the abstracts accepted for CROI 2026 as well as the plenary sessions, symposia, and the impact of funding cuts on research and treatment. Dr Chomont expresses optimism about the future of HIV research and the collaborative spirit of the conference.0:00 – Introduction3:19 – Plenary sessions overview5:41 – Interactive symposia and themed discussion sessions8:09 – Themes of the accepted abstracts 11:09 – Support for new researchers15:25 – Research addressing a cure for HIV 18:21 – Community and collaboration at CROI20:55 – Closing remarks Register for virtual or in-person attendance at CROI 2026: https://www.croiconference.org/ __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 65 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Gerald Friedland joins host Dr Michael Saag as the recipient of the IAS–USA Lifetime of Leadership Award, established nearly 15 years ago to honor individuals whose contributions have left a profound and lasting impact on HIV medicine, scientific education, and the mission of the IAS–USA. Dr Friedland discusses his extensive journey in the field of HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases, reflecting on his early career, the challenges faced during the early years of the AIDS epidemic, and the evolution of treatment strategies. Dr Friedland and Dr Saag emphasize the importance of collaboration, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge in addressing public health crises. Dr Friedland also discusses his research on tuberculosis and the integration of HIV treatment, highlighting important findings that have impacted healthcare practices.0:00 – Introduction 3:03 – Early life and medical journey5:43 – First encounters with HIV/AIDS8:39 – Understanding transmission and stigma11:22 – Coping with the AIDS crisis14:53 – The AZT trials and early treatments16:31 – Advancements in HIV treatment19:30 – Research on tuberculosis and HIV27:32 – Reflections on a lifelong careerResourcesIn-person or virtual registration for the presentation of the IAS-USA Lifetime of Leadership Award at the Scott M. Hammer Annual Update on HIV Management in New York, New York on March 16, 2026: https://www.iasusa.org/events/hiv-update-2026-new-york/__________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 64 of Going anti-Viral, we look back at the past year and beyond to share highlights from past episodes of the Going anti-Viral Podcast. In this selection of highlights, we share the remarkable outcomes of scientific research, hearing from researchers, clinicians, and survivors. These outcomes are the result of the tremendous work and innovation of our guests and the entire scientific research community and the investment of the American people in scientific research. 0:00 – Introduction 1:29 – Dr Judith Currier – Next-Gen HIV Prevention and Treatment 1:59 – Dr Anthony Fauci – A Conversation with Dr Anthony Fauci 2:33 – Dawn Averitt – A Personal Journey with HIV and Advocacy for HIV Research 3:18 – Rebecca Denison – 40+ Years of HIV: What's Changed, What Hasn't, What Shouldn't, What Must 3:44 – Dr Izukanji Sikazwe – Innovations in HIV Service Delivery: Building a Path Forward with Those Left Behind 4:19 – Dr Joseph Eron – HIV Cure Research: State of the Art and Navigating Presentations at CROI 2025 4:48 – Dr Diane Havlir – Preview of the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) 5:22 – Dr Peter Hotez – The Measles Outbreak and the Role Anti-Science Plays in Threatening Public Health 5:58 – Dr Steven Grinspoon – The Management of Cardiovascular Health in Patients with HIV 6:18 – Dr Ellen Eaton – Treating Substance Use Disorder in an Inpatient Setting 6:41 – Dr Khalil Ghanem – Demystifying Syphilis: Diagnosis and Treatment 7:01 – Dr Carlos del Rio – Providing Healthcare to Foreign-Born and Hard-to-Reach Individuals 7:37 – Dr Yvonne Maldonado – How Vaccines Get Approved in the US: The RSV Story and the Role of the ACIP 8:00 – Dr Demetre Daskalakis – The CDC without Scientific Leadership 8:29 – Dr Rochelle Walensky – The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Current State of Public Health in the US 9:01 – Mary Fisher – Breaking the Silence: An Activist's ApproachFor full episodes, visit the Going anti-Viral Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts__________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 63 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Mari Kitahata joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the role of outcomes research on clinical decisions for patient care. Dr Kitahata is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington (UW) in the Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. For more than 3 decades, she has directed the UW/Fred Hutch Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Clinical Research Core. Dr Kitahata's research focuses on improving long-term outcomes for people with HIV and she has led studies demonstrating key determinants of increased survival in people with HIV including early initiation of antiretroviral therapy and care managed by physicians with greater HIV experience. Dr Kitahata discusses the significance of outcomes research in clinical settings, particularly in the context of HIV care. She explains the differences between efficacy and effectiveness, the challenges faced in observational studies, and the importance of statistical techniques to address biases. Dr Kitahata and Dr Saag discuss the role of electronic medical records (EMRs) in enhancing data collection and the necessity of data validation through adjudication processes. Additionally, the conversation touches on the importance of patient-reported outcomes and the limitations of EMR data, including issues of misclassification. Finally, Dr Saag and Dr Kitahata discuss the distinction between predictive modeling and etiologic modeling in research, underscoring the complexities of clinical care and the future directions for outcomes research.0:00 – Introduction2:30 – Efficacy versus effectiveness5:51 – Challenges in outcomes research8:27 – Statistical techniques in observational studies16:13 – The role of electronic medical records19:36 – Patient-reported outcomes and their importance22:18 – Data validation and adjudication28:30 – Limitations of observational data35:08 – The future of outcomes research __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 62 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Rochelle Walensky joins host Dr Michael Saag on World AIDS Day 2025 to discuss her experience as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the COVID-19 pandemic and the current state of public health in the United States. Dr Walensky is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and has published over 300 research articles that have motivated changes to US HIV testing and immigration policy and promoted expanded funding for HIV-related research, treatment, and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Dr Walensky reflects on her experience during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts where she was the Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr Saag and Dr Walensky then discuss her transition to the Director of the CDC and her management of the agency during the pandemic. Dr Walensky and Dr Saag emphasize the dedication of public health professionals and the need for continued support and understanding of the challenges they face. They discuss the risk of proposed budget cuts to the CDC and the impacts this will have on the agency as well as state and local public health departments. Finally, they discuss the future of public health and their shared optimism for public health over the long-term.0:00 – Introduction1:41 – Management of the early outbreak of COVID-19 in Massachusetts and reflections on the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in March of 202011:50 – Transition to lead the CDC and reflections on the difficult job of management of the CDC during a pandemic24:00 – Navigating COVID-19 variants and the challenge of public health recommendations for wearing masks and vaccination28:24 – Outlook on the future of public health and the CDC and the risks of proposed budget cuts on state and local public health agencies __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

This week, Tony explores a fascinating, hospital rounds-ready question: Why does cirrhosis cause low SAAG ascites? You can read the show notes here! Click here to obtain AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (0.5 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (0.5 hours), or ABIM MOC Part 2 (0.5 hours). Audio edited by Clair Morgan of Nodderly.com. Resident Giancarlo Buonomo and medical student Millennium Manna are our producers.

In episode 61 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Yvonne Maldonado joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the evidence for vaccine safety and effectiveness. Dr Maldonado is a Professor in the Stanford University School of Medicine where she has achieved national and international recognition for her scholarship in the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases. She has served on several national and international committees including, until recently, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Dr Maldonado and Dr Saag provide an overview of how vaccines work and discuss where aluminum adjuvants are used in vaccines and address the validity of anti-vax claims about the use of aluminum in vaccines. Dr Maldonado emphasizes the crucial role of vaccination, particularly the measles vaccine, as a key indicator of public health and discusses the high infectiousness of measles and its implications for community safety, especially for children and immunocompromised individuals. Dr Saag and Dr Maldonado also discuss current recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine, its safety, and whether pregnant women and infants should receive the vaccine. Finally, Dr Saag and Dr Maldonado discuss the work of public health in the future and the importance of communicating the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.0:00 – Introduction1:46 – Overview of vaccines and how they work5:07 – Different vaccine types and where an aluminum adjuvant is used 12:41 – Motivations behind vaccine opposition16:20 – The business model of vaccine development 19:07 – The pros and cons of mandatory vaccinations 25:19 – Who should get vaccinated against COVID-19 30:46 – Should pregnant women and infants get vaccinated against COVID-19 35:02 – Will vaccine controversies continue in the futureOther Resources:Episode 50 - How Vaccines Get Approved in the US: The RSV Story and the Role of the ACIP – Dr Yvonne MaldonadoEpisode 51 - The Measles Outbreak and the Role Anti-Science Plays in Threatening Public Health – Dr Peter Hotez__________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In this podcast, I conceptually explain the 5 different gaps tested on the USMLEs (Serum AG, Urine AG, Osmolal gap, SAAG gradient, and A-a gradient). I make numerous integrations and really help you understand these things so you don’t have to memorize them. Another point of emphasis (low SAAG ascites is similar conceptually to exudative … Continue reading DIP Ep 625: The 5 USMLE “Gaps” (Step 1-3)

In this podcast, I conceptually explain the 5 different gaps tested on the USMLEs (Serum AG, Urine AG, Osmolal gap, SAAG gradient, and A-a gradient). I make numerous integrations and really help you understand these things so you don’t have to memorize them. Another point of emphasis (low SAAG ascites is similar conceptually to exudative … Continue reading DIP Ep 625: The 5 USMLE “Gaps” (Step 1-3)

In episode 60 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Donald Abrams joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss medical cannabis. Dr Abrams is a professor emeritus at the University of California San Francisco and a specialist in integrative oncology at the Osher Center for Integrative Health. Dr Abrams has studied complementary and alternative therapies, including mind-body treatments, botanical therapies, medical use of cannabis and herbal therapies used in traditional Chinese medicine. He continues to research the health effects of medical cannabis. Dr Abrams was previously at the forefront in HIV/AIDS research and treatment at San Francisco General Hospital and served as chief of the medical oncology service from 2003 to 2017. Dr Saag and Dr Abrams discuss the history of medical cannabis and the challenges Dr Abrams experienced in researching its use for medical therapy. They discuss the medical benefits of cannabis and the recommendations that clinicians may make as well as addressing the differences in products available including THC and CBD. They also discuss research in whether use of cannabis in young adults is related to schizophrenia. Finally, Dr Saag and Dr Abrams discuss the future of medical cannabis and whether physicians should continue to provide a role in its use, whether the scheduling of cannabis as a controlled substance will change, and the type of research that is needed to continue to explore where its use is beneficial. 0:00 – Introduction1:20 – Overview of the history of medical cannabis 4:10 – The fight for medical cannabis research and its use in people with AIDS 10:59 – Understanding the medical benefits of cannabis particularly for pain, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and depression 13:15 – How physicians navigate recommendations for the use of cannabis and the differences with the types of cannabis whether inhaled, digested, or tinctures 18:13 – CBD vs. THC: understanding the differences and other possible cannabinoid therapeutics23:25 – The role of physicians in the future of medical cannabis, the need for more research, and the overall availability for people who want it 25:57 – Overview of research if there a relationship between the use of cannabis and schizophrenia in young adults __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 59 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Demetre Daskalakis joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss his career in public health and the turnover in leadership at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr Daskalakis is an infectious diseases physician who served in leadership roles at the CDC from 2020 to 2025. He was director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases and was previously director of the Division of HIV Prevention at the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. In 2022, he was appointed deputy coordinator of the White House response to the mpox outbreak. Dr Daskalakis discusses his career in public health and leadership roles in infectious diseases. Dr Saag and Dr Daskalakis have a detailed discussion about applying lessons learned from the HIV epidemic in the national response to the mpox outbreak and they discuss Dr Daskalakis's role at the CDC in response to the current measles outbreak. They also address ideologic-driven changes at the CDC under the direction of Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services including the firing of Dr Susan Monarez and Dr Daskalakis' subsequent resignation. Finally, they discuss the current direction of the CDC and the outlook for public health without scientific leadership. They also discuss the possibility of a renaissance for public health in the future where it can be reimagined to focus on people instead of historic funding paradigms. 0:00 – Introduction1:21 – Career path in public health and leadership in infectious diseases 4:01 – Applying lessons from the HIV epidemic in response to the mpox outbreak9:48 – Transition to CDC and challenges with the new administration13:50 – CDC role in response to the current measles outbreak17:45 – Management of the CDC by Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services 21:22 – The firing of Dr Susan Monarez from the CDC and Dr Daskalakis's resignation28:35 – The lack of scientific leadership remaining at CDC and future outlook ResourcesEpisode 50 - How Vaccines Get Approved in the US: The RSV Story and the Role of the ACIP – Dr Yvonne Maldonado__________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 58 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Khalil Ghanem joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss current challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis. Dr Ghanem is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr Ghanem's research focuses on reproductive tract infections in particular syphilis and the vaginal microbiome. He was a consultant to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the development of the 2010 and 2015 Adult Syphilis Treatment Guidelines. Dr Ghanem discusses the history and current trends of syphilis, including the impact of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) on infection rates. Dr Saag and Dr Ghanem also address screening and testing for syphilis and the current issues faced in diagnosis and treatment including the management of penicillin G benzathine shortages. Finally, Dr Ghanem looks ahead to new research to address syphilis management, emphasizing the need for better diagnostics and treatment options, especially during pregnancy.0:00 – Introduction1:24 – Trends in the rates of syphilis, including recent updates on latest data 4:24 – The role of DoxyPep in syphilis management7:18 – Screening and testing for syphilis with new recommendations for screening during pregnancy14:45 – Challenges in diagnosis and treatment and impact of new research 22:54 – Recommendations for management of penicillin G benzathine shortages26:39 – Future research in addressing challenges to management of syphilisResources:Going anti-Viral – Episode 9: Apple Podcasts Understanding The Implementation of Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) and Addressing Sexually Transmitted Infections with Dr Annie Luetkemeyer __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

00:00 - Parminder Nagra aka Pammi aka Pindi02:30 - Parminder's favourite question04:16 - Trying to explain acting to desi parents10:11 - UK vs USA cost of living14:19 - Bend it like Beckham18:14 - The impact of Bend It + LGBTQ themes27:56 - Brazilian Football training 34:32 - "I'm a cool mum"42:47 - Most iconic Bend It scene 49:22 - Meeting Ray Liotta on ER52:43 - TV vs Movies + auditioning59:54 - How does Hollywood work?01:04:56 - Moving to the USA for ER01:11:59 - The Punjabi Alphabet + the English to Punjabi quiz01:26:44 - Being in Birmingham to play D.I. Ray01:31:36 - Saag, Naked and Afraid + Sandra BullockFollow Us On:Tik Tok - https://bit.ly/indy-and-dr-tik-tokInstagram - http://bit.ly/indy-and-dr-instaFacebook - http://bit.ly/indy-and-dr-facebookSpotify - http://bit.ly/indy-and-drAlso available at all podcasting outlets.#benditlikebeckham #parmindernagra #desipodcast

In episode 57 of Going anti-Viral, Dawn Averitt joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss HIV advocacy and the importance of scientific research. Ms Averitt is a social justice advocate and founder of organizations focused on women with HIV and AIDS such as the Well Project and the Women's Information Service and Exchange. Ms Averitt has served on several scientific and advisory committees, including 2 terms on the President's Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, and has been responsible for key achievements in guiding FDA labeling decisions and shaping research and policy priorities at the NIH. Ms Averitt discusses being diagnosed with HIV at age 19 in 1988 and her experience with early treatment. She shares how this experience led her to the AIDS Survival Project and the Atlanta Buyers Project where she was an advocate for access to HIV care and treatment. Dr Saag and Ms Averitt discuss the current focus of HIV activism at a time when scientific research is threatened and the importance of today's HIV advocates to be a voice for research to the public at large.0:00 – Introduction1:17 – Ms Averitt's personal journey with HIV3:01 – How her treatment experience led to advocacy8:36 – Her role with the AIDS Survival Project and the Atlanta Buyers Club 17:12 – Current focus of HIV activism25:44 – How to persuade the public to support HIV and scientific research Resources:The Well Project: https://www.thewellproject.org/The Women's Research Initiative on HIV/AIDS (WRI): https://www.thewellproject.org/hiv-information/wri-2025-evolving-landscape-women-and-hiv-cure__________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 56 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Steven Grinspoon joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss managing cardiovascular health in people with HIV. Dr Grinspoon is a clinician in the Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Tumor Clinical Center and faculty member at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is a clinical researcher who studies hypothalamic control of body weight and fat distribution in obesity and lipodystrophy with a focus on the metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of visceral fat accumulation. Dr Grinspoon provides an overview of cardiovascular disease in people with HIV including a review of the REPRIEVE study that evaluated if statin medication is effective to prevent heart disease among people with HIV. Dr Saag and Dr Grinspoon detail the REPRIEVE study results demonstrating that statins lower baseline low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and discuss the cardiovascular health benefits of lowering LDL cholesterol levels. They discuss arterial plaque, how it is measured and whether plaque can regress individuals on statins. Finally, Dr Saag and Dr Grinspoon discuss goals for follow-up studies to REPRIEVE and other studies looking into the benefits of statins in other populations.0:00 – Introduction1:28 – Overview of cardiovascular disease in people with HIV 3:23 – Overview of the REPRIEVE study, which evaluated if statin medication is effective to prevent heart disease among people with HIV10:51 – REPRIEVE study results lowering baseline LDL cholesterol                       13:26 – Follow-up studies in people who do not have HIV16:20 – How plaque is measured in the arteries19:40 – Regression of plaque in patients using statins 21:15 – Top goals for follow-up studies to REPRIEVEResources: REPRIEVE Study: https://www.reprievetrial.org/ __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 55 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Darcy Wooten joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss navigating HIV care with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Dr Wooten is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Washington University in St. Louis. Her clinical interests are HIV primary care, HIV prevention, sexually transmitted infections, and general infectious diseases. Dr Wooten is also a national leader in medical education. Dr Wooten provides an overview of GLP-1 receptor agonists including their history of use for the treatment of diabetes and more recent use for treatment of weight loss. Dr Saag and Dr Wooten discuss the challenges that patients have in getting insurance coverage for GLP-1 receptor agonists and review the 2 most common drugs that are used as treatment, tirzepatide and semaglutide. They discuss the patient experience with the injectable medication and review the possibility of oral versions of the medications in the future. Finally, Dr Saag and Dr Wooten discuss the long-term management of GLP-1 receptor agonists as a part of overall primary care for patients with HIV.0:00 – Introduction1:11 – Overview of GLP-1 receptor agonists3:46 – How GLP-1 receptor agonists became used for weight management and patient eligibility criteria6:14 – Challenges of insurance coverage for GLP-1 receptor agonists8:32 – Differences between theGLP-1 receptor agonists tirzepatide and semaglutide and other benefits of the medications beyond weight loss12:04 – Patient experience with the injectable formulations and possible adverse effects of use14:36 – Long-term use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and possibility of oral versions of these drugs17:36 – Managing GLP-1 receptor agonists as a part of primary care for patients with HIV including treatment of some substance use disorders20:22 – Predictions for future management of GLP-1 receptor agonists and Dr Wooten's hope for more research into incorporating lifestyle modifications into patient care __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

Join the hosts as they take you through all the news from around the world and across the UK.  In this week's show: Ryanair drops three French airports in row over tax; British Airways files $293,000 lawsuit against Boston airport over damage to one of its A380s; and Icelandair retains position as Europe's most punctual airline.    We have an excellent report from Captain Al from his Oshkosh visit and his newly found appreciation for military aircraft (yes you did hear that correctly!) and we also have the second of our interviews from the Bray airshow where we speak to Andrew Van der Saag, who came all the way from Edinburgh to see the show.    We also announce the winner of our competition for guessing the number of photos that Jonathan Warner too at this year's RIAT show.     And we'll talk a little bit about when Carlos and I had a go on a full motion A320 simulator last week. Take part in our chatroom to help shape the conversation of the show. You can get in touch with us all at : WhatsApp +447446975214 Email podcast@planetalkinguk.com or comment in our chatroom on YouTube.

Episode 200: All About Ascites.     Jesica Mendoza explains the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of ascites. Dr. Arreaza adds input about early detection and prevention of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Written by Jesica Mendoza, OMS IV, Western University, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. Edits and comments by Hector Arreaza, MD.You are listening to Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast, your weekly dose of knowledge brought to you by the Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program from Bakersfield, California, a UCLA-affiliated program sponsored by Clinica Sierra Vista, Let Us Be Your Healthcare Home. This podcast was created for educational purposes only. Visit your primary care provider for additional medical advice.Welcome to our episode 200! It is an honor to welcome back a wonderful medical student, her name is Jesica, and she has prepared this topic, and she is excited to share this information with us. Jesica presented in June this year an episode about gestational diabetes (episode 193) and today she will talk about ascites. Jesica, please tell us who you are again. What is ascites?Ascites is the buildup of fluid in between the visceral peritoneum and the parietal peritoneum in the abdomen. This is often caused by cirrhosis of the liver due to the increased portal HTN which leads to increased nitrous oxide (NO) and prostaglandins which then causes splanchnic vasodilation and decreased effective arterial volume. The decrease in arterial volume then causes an increase in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the renal system which leads to sodium and water retention. This then causes a net reabsorption of fluids and ascites.Evaluation of ascites.Once someone has been found to have ascites the next step will be a diagnostic paracentesis. This includes removing fluid from the peritoneal cavity in order to determine the SAAG (Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient) score. SAAG : (serum albumin) − (albumin level of ascitic fluid). The two values should be measured at the same time.This score helps determine the cause of the ascites with a score >1.1 g/dL indicating portal hypertension usually due to liver disease such as cirrhosis. A SAAG score of 250 PMNS/mL. Fluid should be sent to the lab for culture and then antibiotics should be started. IV 3rd generation cephalosporins are typically used. Fluoroquinolones are also used to prevent the recurrence of SBP.If you desire to learn more about SBP, listen to our episode 123. By the way, propranolol is a frequently used medication to prevent GI bleeding from esophageal varices in cirrhosis and also to decrease the development of ascites. It should be used in patients who have compensated cirrhosis and must be avoided in patients with refractory ascites, hypotension, renal dysfunction or active infection. So, to wrap things up we should remember that once we identify ascites with our physical exam of the patient, we should make sure to obtain a paracentesis as these results will be the main guide for our treatment. The treatment can then range from medical treatment such as spironolactone and/or loop diuretics to TIPS procedures, PleurX or even liver transplant. Always be on the lookout for SBP in patients with ascites and always remember to obtain a culture on the ascitic fluid prior to starting antibiotics. Even without trying, every night you go to bed a little wiser. Thanks for listening to Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast. We want to hear from you, send us an email at RioBravoqWeek@clinicasierravista.org, or visit our website riobravofmrp.org/qweek. See you next week! _____________________References:Ascites, Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14792-ascites.Huang LL, Xia HH, Zhu SL. Ascitic Fluid Analysis in the Differential Diagnosis of Ascites: Focus on Cirrhotic Ascites. J Clin Transl Hepatol. 2014 Mar;2(1):58-64. doi: 10.14218/JCTH.2013.00010. Epub 2014 Mar 15. PMID: 26357618; PMCID: PMC4521252. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4521252/.Theme song, Works All The Time by Dominik Schwarzer, YouTube ID: CUBDNERZU8HXUHBS, purchased from https://www.premiumbeat.com/.

In episode 54 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Ellen Eaton joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the treatment of substance use disorder in an in-patient setting. Dr Eaton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Dr Eaton provides and update on a recent termination of a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant that provided overdose prevention education and treatment. She discusses the impact that a recent executive order on unhoused individuals that may have on access to care. Dr Eaton addresses a recent “bad batch” alert warning of contaminated street drugs leading to serious overdose events, and the most common reasons that people are admitted for in-patient care and review treatment of substance use disorder-related infections. They review acute withdrawal in the hospital and Dr Eaton shares her ideal response to substance use disorder in a hospital setting. Finally, Dr Saag and Dr Eaton look forward to the next 10 years of care for people with substance use disorder.0:00 – Introduction1:19 – Update on current issues including access to naloxone and a recent executive order on unhoused individuals4:43 – Update on recent “bad batch” alert regarding serious overdose events7:27 – The most common reasons why people are admitted for in-patient care 11:03 – Treatment of substance use disorder-related infections particularly where prolonged antimicrobial therapy is needed and discussion of the use of a PICC line16:07 – Treatment and preventing acute withdrawal in the hospital including administration of buprenorphine21:46 – The ideal response to substance use disorder in a hospital setting27:00 – How treatment of substance use disorder may improve in the next 10 years__________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 53 of Going anti-Viral, Dr George Rutherford joins host Dr Michael Saag to provide an update on emerging infectious diseases. Dr Rutherford is a Professor Emeritus of Epidemiology, Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics and History at the University of California San Francisco and of the Center for Global Strategic Information and Public Health Practice at the UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences. Dr Rutherford discusses his experience during the early onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and shares lessons learned. Dr Saag and Dr Rutherford also discuss the success of Operation Warp Speed in accelerating the development, manufacture, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. They also review new emerging infections like influenza A (H5N1) and arthropod viruses like West Nile, dengue, and chikungunya. Dr Saag and Dr Rutherford review efforts by the federal government to dismantle public health programs and discuss the potential impact of these cuts on future pandemics. 0:00 – Introduction1:05 – Dr Rutherford's experience during the early onset of COVID-19 5:36 – Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic8:30 – The success of Operation Warp Speed10:14 – Review of new emerging infections: H5N1 influenza A and arthropod viruses like West Nile, dengue, and chikungunya17:40 – The impact on public health of misinformation on social media and the recent dismantling of public health programs22:12 – Steps needed to respond to future pandemics and how can public health continue to provide services in the face of budget cuts __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 52 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Carlos del Rio joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the topic of providing care to foreign-born individuals. Dr del Rio is a Distinguished Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University School of Medicine. He has held numerous positions at Emory University including as co-Director of the Emory Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) and co-PI of the Emory-CDC HIV Clinical Trials Unit and the Emory Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit. He has worked more than a decade with hard-to-reach populations including people with substance use disorders to improve outcomes of those with HIV and to prevent infection with those at risk. Dr del Rio discusses steps his clinic has taken to provide care to hard-to-reach populations including understanding why patients miss appointments. Dr Saag and Dr del Rio also discuss the unique challenges that foreign-born individuals have in accessing care and the impact of current immigration enforcement on people in need of care and on the broader healthcare workforce. Dr del Rio shares his personal family history with immigration to illustrate the diverse nature of foreign-born people in the United States. Dr Saag and Dr del Rio close by emphasizing the need for clinicians to be passionate in providing care and compassion to their foreign-born patients at a time of immigration enforcement actions by federal authorities.0:00 – Introduction1:48 – Defining hard-to-reach populations 5:45 – How clinicians can provide access to care for hard-to-reach populations9:01  – Unique challenges that foreign-born individuals have in accessing care15:38 – Impact of current immigration enforcement on individuals in need of care and on the healthcare workforce19:08 – Diversity of foreign-born individuals in the US and Dr del Rio's personal family history with immigration25:57 – The importance of passion and compassion to ensure foreign-born individuals feel welcome in the clinic __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 51 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Peter Hotez joins host Dr Michael Saag to provide an update on the measles outbreak in the US and discuss the role that anti-science plays in threatening public health. Dr Hotez is a Professor of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine. He is the author of more than 700 scientific papers and four books and is an ardent vaccine advocate and “science explainer” who combats anti-science and antisemitism in America, and globally. Dr Hotez and Dr Saag provide an overview of the current measles outbreak in the United States and the high rate of transmission. They discuss efforts to increase rates of vaccination, especially in a climate of misinformation about the safety and efficacy of the measles vaccine. Dr Saag and Dr Hotez discuss the origins of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a discussion of the incentives of health and wellness influencers to spread false information. They also discuss how best to distribute accurate health information about vaccines on social media. They conclude by reviewing the successful history of childhood vaccination programs and the risk of future pandemics in a climate of disinformation about vaccination. 0:00 – Introduction1:56 – Measles and risk of transmission 6:24 – Efforts to increase rates of vaccination and discussion of anti-vaccine sentiment  10:40 – Growth of anti-vaccine sentiment during COVID-19 and health and wellness influencers distributing false health information 17:46 – How to best to distribute accurate health information on social media 22:35 – Conflict of interest among anti-vaccine influencers 27:47 – The success of childhood vaccination and the risk of future pandemics given vaccine disinformation __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 50 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Yvonne Maldonado joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine and the vaccine approval process in the United States. Dr Maldonado is a Professor in the Stanford University School of Medicine where she has achieved national and international recognition for her scholarship in the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases. She has served on several national and international committees including, until recently, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Dr Maldonado and Dr Saag provide an overview of RSV including the history of RSV vaccine research and development and provide an update on the availability of RSV vaccine in adults but not in children. They also discuss the risk of severe disease in children and the limited treatments available. Dr Maldonado and Dr Saag also discuss the process for vaccine approvals in the United States. Specifically, they review the role of the ACIP committee in vaccine approvals and provide an update on the recent dismissal of all of the prior members of the committee, which included Dr Maldonado. They discuss the potential impact that this will have on the review of all vaccines and the overall impact on public health. 0:00 – Introduction 1:30 – Overview of RSV including the history of RSV vaccine research and development 5:08 – Status of RSV vaccine availability in adults and children  8:15 – Discussion of the length of RSV vaccine protection and the differences in RSV respiratory disease between children and adults 10:17 – Risk of severe disease from RSV in children 12:22 – Overview of the vaccine approval process in the United States and how the CDC ACIP committee operates 19:27 – Discussion of the recent dismissal of all members of the ACIP including Dr Maldonado and her concern for the process of vaccine approval moving forward 23:54 – The vetting process for new members of the ACIP and assessment of newly appointed members 27:20 – How the recent personnel changes at the ACIP and other federal agencies impact public health 32:08 – Discussion of the public commitment and support for vaccination moving forward__________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In episode 49 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Judith Currier joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss Next-Gen HIV Prevention and Treatment. Dr Currier is a Professor of Medicine at UCLA and has more than 25 years of experience in the design, implementation, conduct, and analysis of clinical trials to optimize antiretroviral management of HIV and related complications. Dr Currier and Dr Saag provide an overview of why new antiretroviral drugs are needed and discuss the successful return on investment in biomedical research. They also provide a detailed review of long-acting antiretroviral drugs and discuss the state of current research for new options, including a discussion of lenacapavir. Finally, they share their concerns for what is at stake if attempts to cut the federal research budget are successful and the disruption it will bring to the progress that has been made in HIV care and other viral diseases.  0:00 – Introduction1:20 – Overview of why new antiretroviral drugs are needed2:57 – The return on investment in biomedical research3:52 – Overview of the need for long-acting antiretroviral drugs and options available 8:23 – Review of the current research and prospects for new long-acting therapies 12:59– Discussion of lenacapavir and the potential benefits for prevention and treatment 14:21 – Summary of other drugs on the horizon that may be potential treatments18:39 – Overview of the different methods for delivery of drugs21:11 – Impact of potential budget cuts on HIV research, on people with HIV, and on other viral diseases __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

In this episode of Going anti-Viral, Mary Fisher joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss Communicating the Importance of Science and Research to the Public. Ms Fisher is an artist, author, and activist, who has spent a lifetime giving voice to the voiceless. Her historic speech at the 1992 Republican Convention, A Whisper of AIDS, has been named one of “forty famous speeches that have had long-term effect on society.” In this episode, Ms Fisher discusses her history of activism including her work in Africa before and after the arrival of PEPFAR and the concern for the many communities she worked with given the termination of USAID. Ms Fisher also discusses her new book Uneasy Silence: An activist seeks justice and courage over a lifetime of change where she and Dr Saag stress the importance of speaking out for scientific research given the impact it has on patient care and saving lives. 0:00 – Introduction1:17 – History of Ms Fisher's activism 4:11 – Impact of Ms Fisher's work in Africa and discussion of the quality of life before and after PEPFAR 10:05 – The impact of the elimination of USAID on people with HIV, nutrition, and other diseases 14:36 – Discussion of Ms Fisher's book Uneasy Silence: An activist seeks justice and courage over a lifetime of change20:12 – Why scientific research is important and the impact of cuts to the research budget at NIAID28:55 – The need to speak out for science, the practice of medicine, and care for those in need of careRelated Resources:Uneasy Silence: An activist seeks justice and courage over a lifetime of change Amazon  A Whisper of AIDS YouTube Project Angel FoodEpisode 43 YouTube | Apple Podcasts with Dr Izukanji SikazweVoices in HIV Research and Global Health, from the Scientists, the Labs, and the Community YouTube __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

Support the D.A.W.G.Z. @ patreon.com/MSsecretpod Watch 'Breaking Points' w/ Saagar & Krystal  Go See Matt Live in Irvine CA Next Wknd @ mattmccusker.com/dates Go See Shane Live @ shanemgillis.com Yo0o0o0o0o0. Hope you're all having a good week. Here's the public unveiling of the new set up (previously seen on the patreon). Cusk is blessed by Saag this week and the two chop it up for like 2 hrs. Hot mf cast. Check out Breaking Points. Please enjoy. God Bless.  Download the PrizePicks app or visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/DRENCHED today and use code Drenched to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/MSSP and get on your way to being your best self. The Mountain is calling, you should answer #DoTheDew #MTNDEW Shop now @ https://lets.shop/2141/dothedew Support the show & get Lucy Breakers for 20% off & free shipping at https://www.lucy.co promo code DRENCHED