HIV care for the internist with author and HIV expert, Michael Saag MD, Professor of Infectious Diseases at University of Alabama and founder of the 1917 Clinic. We discuss the specifics of screening & diagnostic testing in HIV, monitoring CD4 counts and viral loads, first line antiretroviral therapy, harm reduction, and how to provide excellent HIV care in your primary care clinic.

Full show notes available at http://thecurbsiders.com/podcast. Join our mailing list and receive a PDF copy of our show notes every Monday. Rate us on iTunes, recommend a guest or topic and give feedback at [email protected].

Written & Produced by: Elena Gibson MS4, Justin Berk MD MBA MPH

Artwork by: Elena Gibson MS4

Hosts: Matthew Watto MD, Paul Williams MD, Justin Berk MD MBA MPH

Editor: Matthew Watto MD

Guest: Michael Saag MD

• 00:00 Disclaimer, intro, and guest bio
• 04:35 Getting to know our guest, a movie recommendation, and words of wisdom
• 08:48 Clinical case, HIV screening, in-depth discussion of HIV testing & diagnosis
• 15:56 New diagnosis of HIV, counseling after diagnosis, confirmation, follow-up testing, the second visit
• 24:20 Treatment - what to start and when; some basic comments on therapy
• 30:05 Primary care after diagnosis, vaccines, cancer screening, cardiovascular disease prevention
• 34:35 Monitoring CD4 counts and viral load; interpreting CD4 count; time course of response for CD4 and viral load
• 42:02 Harm reduction counseling; addressing medication non-adherence
• 47:40 PCP prophylaxis
• 49:43 The 1917 Clinic, Ryan White Clinics, and linking patients to care
• 53:10 Take home points
• 55:40 Plugs
• 57:45 Will a cure or vaccine for HIV emerge?
• 59:16 Outro