#121 HIV Care for the Internist

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 thecurbsiders@gmail.com. Credits 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 Time Stamps 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