Going anti-Viral

Going Anti-Viral
  • 5.0 (17)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Introducing Going anti-Viral, the podcast of the IAS–USA, a professional continuing medical education organization focused on HIV and other viral diseases. I’m Dr Michael Saag, professor emeritus of medicine and infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and volunteer member of the IAS–USA Board of Directors.  Join us as we interview experts in viral medicine about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS-USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and various meetings and conferences.  Going anti-Viral is a podcast series for clinicians, produced by the International Antiviral Society–USA. The IAS–USA is a not-for-profit professional organization committed to improving the treatment, care, and quality of life for people with or at risk for HIV or other viral infections and their complications through balanced education and information. This podcast is intended as a clinical source of information for specialists in this field, but we hope anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections and their consequences.

  1. 8H AGO

    Strategic and Resilient Responses to the Funding Crisis Across Africa – Dr Ruanne Barnabas

    In episode 68 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Ruanne Barnabas joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss topic of a symposium session at the upcoming the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) entitled Strategic and Resilient Responses to the Funding Crisis Across Africa. Dr Barnabas is the Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital. Her work is focused on identifying effective and scalable HIV, HPV, and infectious diseases treatment and prevention strategies that increase access across diverse communities and promote equity in health. Dr Barnabas discusses the substantial progress made in global health, particularly in HIV treatment and prevention. She also discusses the impact of funding cuts from USAID on health systems and highlights with Dr Saag the importance of the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in delivering effective care. Dr Barnabas outlines the presentations to be given at the upcoming symposium at CROI 2026 addressing the HIV funding crisis, emphasizing community resilience, and the future of health equity. 0:00 – Introduction 1:29 – Overview of global health funding at the end of 2024 4:03 – Success of PEPFAR and USAID 10:25 – Funding cuts and their consequences 12:48 – Overview of the CROI 2026 symposium on the HIV funding crisis in Africa 16:28 – Community perspectives and impact of new technologies 18:08 – Lessons learned from funding cuts 21:13 – Looking ahead: future of HIV and global health programs Resources: CROI 2026: https://www.croiconference.org/ Going-anti-Viral: Episode 43 - Innovations in HIV Service Delivery: Building a Path Forward with Those Left Behind - Dr Izukanji Sikazwe __________________________________________________ Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode. Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTube X Facebook Instagram ...

    24 min

  2. FEB 10

    Reflections on a Career of HIV Medicine, Mentorship, and Scientific Legacy – Dr Martin Hirsch

    In episode 67 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Martin Hirsch joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss his career in HIV medicine, mentorship, and his scientific legacy. Dr Hirsch is a Professor Emeritus at Harvard Medical School and was Director of the Harvard Collaborative AIDS Treatment Evaluation Unit from 1986 to 2003 and Director of the Harvard Multidisciplinary AIDS Research Training Grant. Dr Hirsch’s research focused on finding drug combinations that delay the development of multidrug resistance and reduce viral replication in HIV-1 infection. Dr Hirsch served as an Editorial Board member for numerous prestigious medical journals over the past 3 decades, including AIDS, the New England Journal of Medicine, Clinical Infectious Diseases, and the Journal of Infectious Diseases, where he was Editor-in-Chief. Dr Hirsch discusses his extensive career, the evolution of antiviral therapies, and the importance of mentorship in science. He reflects on his early experiences, the emergence of HIV, and the collaborative efforts that led to advancements in treatment. Dr Hirsch emphasizes the need for individualized mentorship and shares insights on the future of HIV research and his optimism for the potential of HIV prophylactic treatments. 0:00 – Introduction 1:50 – Early career and mentorship 5:07 – Transitioning to HIV research 7:55 – The emergence of antiretroviral therapies 11:06 – The AIDS epidemic and initial cases 14:30 – Collaboration in HIV research 17:42 – The AZT trial and its impact 20:16 – Navigating the shift from CMV to HIV 22:39 – Antiretroviral resistance and combination therapy 26:39 – The role of mentorship in science 30:56 – Future directions in HIV research Resources: Going-anti-Viral: Episode 6 - A Conversation With Dr Anthony Fauci  __________________________________________________ Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode. Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTube X Facebook Instagram ...

    35 min

  3. JAN 27

    Preview of the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI)

    In episode 66 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Nicolas Chomont joins host Dr Michael Saag to provide a preview of the 2026 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI). Dr Chomont is Chair of the Scientific Program Committee for CROI 2026 and is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, and Immunology at the Université de Montréal and a researcher at the CHUM Research Centre. Dr Chomont discusses CROI 2026, highlighting its significance in advancing HIV research and treatment. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the support for new investigators, and ongoing research for an HIV cure. The discussion provides the overall themes of the abstracts accepted for CROI 2026 as well as the plenary sessions, symposia, and the impact of funding cuts on research and treatment. Dr Chomont expresses optimism about the future of HIV research and the collaborative spirit of the conference. 0:00 – Introduction 3:19 – Plenary sessions overview 5:41 – Interactive symposia and themed discussion sessions 8:09 – Themes of the accepted abstracts  11:09 – Support for new researchers 15:25 – Research addressing a cure for HIV  18:21 – Community and collaboration at CROI 20:55 – Closing remarks  Register for virtual or in-person attendance at CROI 2026:  https://www.croiconference.org/  __________________________________________________ Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode. Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTube X Facebook Instagram ...

    23 min

  4. JAN 13

    IAS-USA Lifetime of Leadership Award – Dr Gerald Friedland

    In episode 65 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Gerald Friedland joins host Dr Michael Saag as the recipient of the IAS–USA Lifetime of Leadership Award, established nearly 15 years ago to honor individuals whose contributions have left a profound and lasting impact on HIV medicine, scientific education, and the mission of the IAS–USA. Dr Friedland discusses his extensive journey in the field of HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases, reflecting on his early career, the challenges faced during the early years of the AIDS epidemic, and the evolution of treatment strategies. Dr Friedland and Dr Saag emphasize the importance of collaboration, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge in addressing public health crises. Dr Friedland also discusses his research on tuberculosis and the integration of HIV treatment, highlighting important findings that have impacted healthcare practices. 0:00 – Introduction  3:03 – Early life and medical journey 5:43 – First encounters with HIV/AIDS 8:39 – Understanding transmission and stigma 11:22 – Coping with the AIDS crisis 14:53 – The AZT trials and early treatments 16:31 – Advancements in HIV treatment 19:30 – Research on tuberculosis and HIV 27:32 – Reflections on a lifelong career Resources In-person or virtual registration for the presentation of the IAS-USA Lifetime of Leadership Award at the Scott M. Hammer Annual Update on HIV Management in New York, New York on March 16, 2026: https://www.iasusa.org/events/hiv-update-2026-new-york/ __________________________________________________ Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode. Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTube X Facebook Instagram ...

    35 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    Going anti-Viral 2025 – The Remarkable Outcomes of Scientific Research

    In episode 64 of Going anti-Viral, we look back at the past year and beyond to share highlights from past episodes of the Going anti-Viral Podcast. In this selection of highlights, we share the remarkable outcomes of scientific research, hearing from researchers, clinicians, and survivors. These outcomes are the result of the tremendous work and innovation of our guests and the entire scientific research community and the investment of the American people in scientific research.  0:00 – Introduction  1:29 – Dr Judith Currier – Next-Gen HIV Prevention and Treatment  1:59 – Dr Anthony Fauci – A Conversation with Dr Anthony Fauci  2:33 – Dawn Averitt – A Personal Journey with HIV and Advocacy for HIV Research  3:18 – Rebecca Denison – 40+ Years of HIV: What’s Changed, What Hasn’t, What Shouldn’t, What Must  3:44 – Dr Izukanji Sikazwe – Innovations in HIV Service Delivery: Building a Path Forward with Those Left Behind  4:19 – Dr Joseph Eron – HIV Cure Research: State of the Art and Navigating Presentations at CROI 2025  4:48 – Dr Diane Havlir – Preview of the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI)  5:22 – Dr Peter Hotez – The Measles Outbreak and the Role Anti-Science Plays in Threatening Public Health  5:58 – Dr Steven Grinspoon – The Management of Cardiovascular Health in Patients with HIV  6:18 – Dr Ellen Eaton – Treating Substance Use Disorder in an Inpatient Setting  6:41 – Dr Khalil Ghanem – Demystifying Syphilis: Diagnosis and Treatment  7:01 – Dr Carlos del Rio – Providing Healthcare to Foreign-Born and Hard-to-Reach Individuals  7:37 – Dr Yvonne Maldonado – How Vaccines Get Approved in the US: The RSV Story and the Role of the ACIP  8:00 – Dr Demetre Daskalakis – The CDC without Scientific Leadership  8:29 – Dr Rochelle Walensky – The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Current State of Public Health in the US  9:01 – Mary Fisher – Breaking the Silence: An Activist’s Approach For full episodes, visit the Going anti-Viral Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts __________________________________________________ Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode. Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTube X Facebook Instagram ...

    11 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    The Role of Outcomes Research on Clinical Decisions for Patient Care – Dr Mari Kitahata

    In episode 63 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Mari Kitahata joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the role of outcomes research on clinical decisions for patient care. Dr Kitahata is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington (UW) in the Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. For more than 3 decades, she has directed the UW/Fred Hutch Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) Clinical Research Core. Dr Kitahata’s research focuses on improving long-term outcomes for people with HIV and she has led studies demonstrating key determinants of increased survival in people with HIV including early initiation of antiretroviral therapy and care managed by physicians with greater HIV experience. Dr Kitahata discusses the significance of outcomes research in clinical settings, particularly in the context of HIV care. She explains the differences between efficacy and effectiveness, the challenges faced in observational studies, and the importance of statistical techniques to address biases. Dr Kitahata and Dr Saag discuss the role of electronic medical records (EMRs) in enhancing data collection and the necessity of data validation through adjudication processes. Additionally, the conversation touches on the importance of patient-reported outcomes and the limitations of EMR data, including issues of misclassification. Finally, Dr Saag and Dr Kitahata discuss the distinction between predictive modeling and etiologic modeling in research, underscoring the complexities of clinical care and the future directions for outcomes research. 0:00 – Introduction 2:30 – Efficacy versus effectiveness 5:51 – Challenges in outcomes research 8:27 – Statistical techniques in observational studies 16:13 – The role of electronic medical records 19:36 – Patient-reported outcomes and their importance 22:18 – Data validation and adjudication 28:30 – Limitations of observational data 35:08 – The future of outcomes research  __________________________________________________ Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode. Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTube X Facebook Instagram ...

    38 min

  7. 12/02/2025

    The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Current State of Public Health in the US – Dr Rochelle Walensky

    In episode 62 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Rochelle Walensky joins host Dr Michael Saag on World AIDS Day 2025 to discuss her experience as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the COVID-19 pandemic and the current state of public health in the United States. Dr Walensky is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and has published over 300 research articles that have motivated changes to US HIV testing and immigration policy and promoted expanded funding for HIV-related research, treatment, and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Dr Walensky reflects on her experience during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts where she was the Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr Saag and Dr Walensky then discuss her transition to the Director of the CDC and her management of the agency during the pandemic. Dr Walensky and Dr Saag emphasize the dedication of public health professionals and the need for continued support and understanding of the challenges they face. They discuss the risk of proposed budget cuts to the CDC and the impacts this will have on the agency as well as state and local public health departments. Finally, they discuss the future of public health and their shared optimism for public health over the long-term. 0:00 – Introduction 1:41 – Management of the early outbreak of COVID-19 in Massachusetts and reflections on the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in March of 2020 11:50 – Transition to lead the CDC and reflections on the difficult job of management of the CDC during a pandemic 24:00 – Navigating COVID-19 variants and the challenge of public health recommendations for wearing masks and vaccination 28:24 – Outlook on the future of public health and the CDC and the risks of proposed budget cuts on state and local public health agencies  __________________________________________________ Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode. Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTube X Facebook Instagram ...

    35 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    The Evidence for Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness – Dr Yvonne Maldonado

    In episode 61 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Yvonne Maldonado joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the evidence for vaccine safety and effectiveness. Dr Maldonado is a Professor in the Stanford University School of Medicine where she has achieved national and international recognition for her scholarship in the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases. She has served on several national and international committees including, until recently, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Dr Maldonado and Dr Saag provide an overview of how vaccines work and discuss where aluminum adjuvants are used in vaccines and address the validity of anti-vax claims about the use of aluminum in vaccines. Dr Maldonado emphasizes the crucial role of vaccination, particularly the measles vaccine, as a key indicator of public health and discusses the high infectiousness of measles and its implications for community safety, especially for children and immunocompromised individuals. Dr Saag and Dr Maldonado also discuss current recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine, its safety, and whether pregnant women and infants should receive the vaccine. Finally, Dr Saag and Dr Maldonado discuss the work of public health in the future and the importance of communicating the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. 0:00 – Introduction 1:46 – Overview of vaccines and how they work 5:07 – Different vaccine types and where an aluminum adjuvant is used  12:41 – Motivations behind vaccine opposition 16:20 – The business model of vaccine development  19:07 – The pros and cons of mandatory vaccinations  25:19 – Who should get vaccinated against COVID-19  30:46 – Should pregnant women and infants get vaccinated against COVID-19  35:02 – Will vaccine controversies continue in the future Other Resources: Episode 50 - How Vaccines Get Approved in the US: The RSV Story and the Role of the ACIP – Dr Yvonne Maldonado Episode 51 - The Measles Outbreak and the Role Anti-Science Plays in Threatening Public Health – Dr Peter Hotez __________________________________________________ Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral’s host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode. Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTube X Facebook Instagram ...

    39 min
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About

Introducing Going anti-Viral, the podcast of the IAS–USA, a professional continuing medical education organization focused on HIV and other viral diseases. I’m Dr Michael Saag, professor emeritus of medicine and infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and volunteer member of the IAS–USA Board of Directors.  Join us as we interview experts in viral medicine about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS-USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and various meetings and conferences.  Going anti-Viral is a podcast series for clinicians, produced by the International Antiviral Society–USA. The IAS–USA is a not-for-profit professional organization committed to improving the treatment, care, and quality of life for people with or at risk for HIV or other viral infections and their complications through balanced education and information. This podcast is intended as a clinical source of information for specialists in this field, but we hope anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections and their consequences.

Information

  • Creator
    Going Anti-Viral
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Going anti-Viral
  • Show Website
    Going anti-Viral

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