UNC Global Health Podcast Series: HIV Matters

More than 1 million people are living with HIV in the United States. While the number of new cases is declining, the South continues to have higher rates of infection. Who is at risk for the human immunodeficiency virus? What can patients expect when they go to a clinic? How close are researchers to a cure?

Faculty from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, as well as a study participant, answer these questions in a 6-part podcast all about the virus. The series, called HIV Matters, is hosted by Ron Falk, MD, the Department of Medicine Chair at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and details the latest prevention strategies, treatments, aging concerns, how the virus affects minorities and what to expect in a clinical trial.

Find the entire 6-episode series here, complete with access to a library of additional resources, or click each link below to listen to a specific episode.

Episode 1: Preventing HIV with PrEP with Dr. Christopher Hurt

Listen to Episode 1 here.

In the first episode of HIV Matters, Falk welcomes Christopher Hurt, MD, an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases and the co-director of the North Carolina AIDS Training and Education Center, to discuss the prevention of HIV with pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP. Hurt explains what exactly PrEP is, how to acquire it, and which patients might want to consider using it.

Episode 2: Getting Care for HIV with Dr. Claire Farel

Listen to Episode 2 here.

Episode 3: HIV Treatment with Dr. Joe Eron

When a patient receives an HIV diagnosis, what's next? Where should they go for care, and who should they see? What should be expected from their first visit to UNC's Infectious Disease Clinic? Claire Farel, MD, MPH, an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases and the medical director of the UNC Infectious Diseases Clinic, answers these questions along with much more in this episode related to acquiring proper medical care for HIV.Listen to Episode 3 here.

Episode 4: Living a Long Life with HIV with Dr. David Wohl

How effective is HIV treatment today? What sorts of side effects do they cause? Joe Eron, MD, a professor of medicine and the vice chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases, attends to the concerns and questions brought about by HIV medications. Eron details how they interact with the body, and explains what is currently being researched to improve treatments for the condition.Listen to Episode 4 here.

Episode 5: HIV-Related Challenges Facing Women & Minorities with Dr. Adaora Adimora

More than 50% of those living with HIV in the United States are 50 years of age or older. David Wohl, MD, a professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, co-director of the HIV services for the North Carolina Department of Corrections, and co-director of the North Carolina AIDS Training and Education Center, dives into the importance of not just controlling the virus, but the attention to overall health and well-being of the patient. Wohl says that although there are additional challenges for those living with HIV, there are ways for these patients to improve their chances of living longer and healthier lives.Listen to Episode 5 here.

Episode 6: Participating in HIV Cure Research with a UNC Study Participant & Dr. David Margolis

Minorities and women tend to experience additional challenges with regard to prevention and treatment of HIV—especially when they're in a high-risk environment or have poor access to care for the condition. Adaora Adimora, MD, MPH, a professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, discusses tactics that are useful in aiding these patients to improve their outcomes.Listen to Episode 6 here.

What should drive researchers to find a cure for HIV? A study participant, Rob, shares his reasons for getting involved with UNC research and details his involvement in the work. David Margolis, MD, a professor of medicine, microbiology, and immunology in the Division of Infectious Diseases and director of the HIV Cure Center at UNC, joins in to describe where exactly that investigatory work is currently, including specifics on Vorinostat trials, and where that work is headed. Margolis is also the principal investigator for CARE, the Collaboratory of AIDS Researchers for Eradication.