In the 1980s, there was one topic that was more on the mind of infectious disease specialists than anything else but was rarely talked about at all. This disease would eventually be known as HIV/AIDS. Despite the public health crisis presented by this disease, very few physicians would treat patients with the symptoms, or when testing became available, the disease. In the state of Utah, your only choice was the indomitable Dr. Kristen Ries and her incredible partner and Physician Assistant, Maggie Snyder. A 2023 recipient of the Outstanding Science Alumni Award for the Eberly College of Science at Penn State, Dr. Ries has had an incredible career serving the most vulnerable patients and healing more than just their symptoms - but their hearts as well. This is an incredibly special episode and I am thrilled to have you all listen to our conversation with this incredible professional. Learn more by watching the documentary "Quiet Heroes".

AUDIO:

• INTRO Song was Fun Life by FASSounds

• OUTRO Song was Best Time by FASSounds

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The Penn State PreHealth Podcast is a production of the PreHealth Advising Office in the Eberly College of Science at Penn State University. It is produced, edited, and promoted by the PreHealth Advising Team. The views, opinions, and advice shared during this podcast are that of the hosts and any guests only and do not necessarily reflect the best advice for every student at every institution for every health profession. This is a non-profit podcast made for the purpose of better serving pre-health students across the university system.