Tagged: HIV Infections

My research focuses on HIV, AIDS virus, infections among women, and pharmacology of antiretroviral drugs in women. We have developed novel measures of long term exposure to these medications, which must be taken by HIV patients for long periods of time to control viral replication and to prevent progression to AIDS. These measures can also be applied to studies of exposure to antiretroviral drugs used to prevent HIV infection. My research group also studies gonadal aging in women (menopause) and its impact on HIV infection, and mucosal immune functions in the female reproductive tract.

My primary area is the clinical care of patients with hepatitis C infection, HIV, and chronic illnesses, including high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid issues, patients on blood thinners and those who have difficulty with medication side effects or medication adherence (taking their medications). At the National HIV/AIDS Consultation Center, I provide clinical consultations via telephone for the Federal Board of Prisons and for healthcare providers caring for HIV and HCV infected patients, including pregnant women and their newborns. My practice sites include the Family Health Center located at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and the UCSF Liver Transplant Clinic. I also teach in the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum and the Family Medicine program and conduct research in the aforementioned areas.

As an epidemiologist, my primary responsibilities are to conduct clinical research which includes study design, execution, analyses, and dissemination of results.

My research interests focus on developing and testing interventions to improve medication adherence, patient-provider communication, antiretroviral use and the use of other medications for chronic diseases in persons living with HIV, opioid stewardship, and treatment disparities.