Going anti-Viral

Going Anti-Viral
  • 5.0 (19)
  • Medicine
  • 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. Oct 20

    Strange Bedfellows – Stigma and Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Dr Ina Park

    In episode 90 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Ina Park joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss stigma and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and her book Strange Bedfellows: Adventures in the Science, History, and Surprising Secrets of STDs. Dr Park is a Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco and the Principal Investigator at the California Prevention Training Center and a Medical Consultant for the Division of STD Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr Park is co-author of the 2021 CDC STD Treatment Guidelines. Dr Saag and Dr Park discuss her book, the history and stigma surrounding STDs, and innovative approaches to prevention and treatment, including doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxyPEP) and the importance of reducing stigma through open conversations. They also address the importance of early sex education and advocacy for condom use.   0:00 – Introduction  1:50 – Dr Park’s interest in STDs and early activism 4:10 – Origins of Dr Park’s book Strange Bedfellows 7:42 – Stigma associated with STDs and roots in history 11:03 – The history of HIV/AIDS and changes in public perception 13:37 – Current epidemiology of syphilis and the role of doxyPEP 17:51 – Addressing stigma and promoting open conversations about sexual health 21:08 – Cultural differences in attitudes toward STDs 22:43 – The importance of early sex education and open communication 25:20 – The ongoing fight against STDs and advocacy for condom use 27:05 – Closing thoughts and future outlook Resources: Strange Bedfellows: Adventures in the Science, History, and Surprising Secrets of STDs https://www.inapark.net/the-book __________________________________________________ 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 ...

  2. Oct 6

    Why Vaccinating Children is Safe and Effective - Dr Andrew Racine

    In episode 89 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Andrew Racine joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the federal government’s recent update to the childhood vaccine schedule. Dr Racine is President of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the System Senior Vice-President of the Montefiore Health System and Executive Director of the Montefiore Medical Group. Dr Racine is also a Professor of Pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and has served on the AAP’s National Committee on Child Health Financing and Chaired the National Task Force of Poverty and Child Health. Dr Saag and Dr Racine discuss the history and importance of vaccines in child health and the rigorous process behind vaccine approval. They also discuss the challenges posed by vaccine skepticism and policy changes. Dr Racine emphasizes the critical role of trust and evidence-based practices by pediatricians and organizations like the AAP in maintaining public health. 0:00 – Introduction  1:28 – History of childhood diseases before vaccines  7:23 – The rigorous process of vaccine evaluation and approval 12:21 – The quality and safety data behind vaccine approval 15:06 – Vaccine skepticism: origins and amplification in modern times 17:38 – The importance of vaccine mandates for school entry 21:28 – Addressing myths: vaccines and autism 23:40 – The role of trusted pediatrician relationships in vaccine communication 28:34 – The value of vaccine advocacy by AAP and other professional organizations Resources healthychildren.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 ...

  3. Sep 22

    Advancing Care for Women and Children with HIV - Dr Elaine Abrams

    In episode 88 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Elaine Abrams joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss her career of research into vertical transmission of HIV and care for pregnant women, children, adolescents, and families. Dr Abrams is a Professor of Epidemiology and Pediatrics at Columbia University Medical Center and Senior Director of Research at ICAP at Columbia University in New York. An internationally recognized pediatrician, epidemiologist, and global health leader, she has more than 35 years of experience as a clinician, researcher, and public health practitioner in the prevention and treatment of HIV infection and associated infectious diseases. Dr Abrams and Dr Saag discuss the history and progress of preventing vertical HIV transmission and the impact of early studies like PACTG 076. They also discuss Dr Abrams’s early work in Africa on HIV transmission and review the current understanding of breastfeeding and HIV transmission. They address the impact of the dismantling of USAID on global HIV prevention efforts and provide an outlook to the future for HIV elimination and global efforts. 0:00 – Introduction  1:31 – First cases of vertical transmission of HIV and rates of transmission 4:00 – Challenges faced during the early HIV epidemic in New York  9:16 – The landmark PACTG 076 study and its significance 12:30 – Global expansion of HIV prevention efforts and treatment 17: 03 – Engagement with HIV programs in Africa and lessons learned 20:12 – Impact of program disruptions due to dismantling of USAID and future challenges 24:47 – Current understanding of breastfeeding and HIV transmission 28:44 – Future outlook for HIV elimination and global efforts __________________________________________________ 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 ...

  4. Sep 14

    Special Episode - Latest Update on Emerging Infections and Health Threats

    In episode 87 of Going anti-Viral, we represent a panel discussion from September 3, 2026, as part of the IAS–USA Dialogue series Emerging Infections and Health Threats. This Dialogue is a must listen as our distinguished panel of infectious disease experts dives deep into some of the most pressing public health challenges facing the world today. Moderated by Carlos del Rio, MD, a Distinguished Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University School of Medicine, this Dialogue brings together world-class experts Yvonne Maldonado, MD, and Peter Chin-Hong, MD. The panel addresses the following pressing topics:  -- Upcoming respiratory virus season: have we learned any lessons from Australia? -- New FDA-approved vaccines: updated COVID-19 vaccine and the first mRNA flu vaccine for the fall season -- Vaccination controversies: the politicization of the vaccination schedule, the resurgence of measles, and declining vaccine confidence -- Global outbreaks: Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda; cholera outbreaks in Sudan, Chad, and other African nations -- Emerging US health threats: chikungunya, Chagas, leishmaniasis, malaria, Dengue fever, and other diseases that were once considered nonendemic in the US are occurring with increasing frequency 0:00 – Introduction  1:48– Reaction to recent measles deaths and update on status of the outbreak in the US 11:15 – Update on the changes to the vaccination schedule  15:03 – The role of medical groups in making updated vaccine recommendations  26:20 – The mRNA influenza vaccine and research into the use of mRNA vaccines for cancer treatments 30:01 – Update on summer foodborne outbreaks and surveillance 36:17 – Audience questions on COVID-19, influenza, and mpox vaccination 43:41 – Overview of alpha-gal syndrome 48:21 – Impact of climate change and global travel on spread of mosquito and tick-borne diseases 53:28 – Impact of cuts to public health on response to health threats like Ebola  __________________________________________________ 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 ...

  5. Sep 8

    Beyond the Diagnosis: Women and HIV in Latin America - Dr Brenda Crabtree-Ramírez

    In episode 86 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Brenda Crabtree-Ramírez joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss women and HIV in Latin America. Dr Crabtree-Ramírez is a Professor of the HIV Program at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. She has participated in Phase I to IV clinical trials evaluating therapies for HIV/AIDS and opportunistic infections and is the Principal Investigator in Mexico for the Caribbean, Central, and South America Network for HIV Epidemiology (CCASAnet). She has contributed to studies focused on sociodemographic factors, HIV-related comorbidities, women with HIV, aging with HIV, and advanced HIV disease. Dr Crabtree-Ramírez discusses the HIV epidemic in Latin America, focusing on women’s unique challenges, access to care, and prevention strategies including PrEP and HPV vaccination.  0:00 – Introduction  1:36 – Challenges in HIV research and healthcare access in Latin America 4:08 – Access to antiretroviral therapy and diagnosis gaps 5:15 – Unique challenges faced by women with HIV and testing during pregnancy  8:11– Research on women and HIV in Latin America 11:50 – CCASAnet and IeDEA network: data collection and insights 13:46 – Barriers to care for women: transportation, stigma, and violence 17:18 – Strategies to improve diagnosis and engagement in care 20:57 – Prevention strategies: PrEP and community programs 24:06 – Role of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention 26:44 – Future directions and women’s leadership in HIV research and call for continued advocacy Resources: CCASAnet: https://www.ccasanet.org/ IeDEA: https://www.iedea.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 ...

  6. Aug 25

    How HIV Research Drives Breakthroughs for Other Diseases - Dr Andrea Gramatica

    In episode 85 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Andrea Gramatica joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss the work of amfAR and how HIV research drives breakthroughs for other diseases. Dr Gramatica is Vice President of Research at amfAR and an expert in immunology and HIV virology with a research focus on viral persistence and immune modulation. Dr Gramatica is responsible for shaping the strategic direction of amfAR’s research programs, including building upon existing research into HIV and other viral diseases, as well as addressing emerging public health challenges. Dr Gramatica discusses the history and impact of amfAR in HIV research, highlighting how philanthropic funding accelerated scientific breakthroughs. Dr Saag and Dr Gramatica also discuss amfAR’s expanding research interest into cancer immunology and other diseases and discuss the outlook for the future and the use of AI in discovering new therapies. 0:00 – Introduction  1:27 – What is amfAR and its role in the early response to HIV  4:28 – Key early grants and their impact on HIV treatment 8:29 – amfAR’s role in supporting early investigators  11:42 – amfAR’s expanding research interest into cancer immunology and other diseases  16:38 – The next five to ten years in HIV research and the role in advancing research using AI 21:52 – How to apply for grants at amfAR  Resources: amfAR  – https://www.amfar.org/  amfAR on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@amfAR  __________________________________________________ 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 ...

  7. Aug 14

    How USAID Was Dismantled—and What the World Lost - Nicholas Enrich

    In episode 84 of Going anti-Viral, Nicholas Enrich joins host Dr Michael Saag to discuss his book Into the Wood Chipper: A Whistleblower's Account of How the Trump Administration Shredded USAID. Mr Enrich is a former civil servant who worked at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under 4 administrations. He served as the Bureau of Global Health director of policy, programs, and planning until January 2025, when he was designated as the USAID acting assistant administrator for global health. On March 2, 2025, he was placed on administrative leave for addressing the Trump administration dismantling of USAID. Mr Enrich provides an overview of the history and work of USAID prior to 2025 including the success of programs like the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and nutrition and food security programs. He then shares his firsthand account of the dismantling of USAID under the Trump administration including the actions by political appointees and staff from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Mr Enrich and Dr Saag explore the impact of the Administration’s policy on global health, development, and international partnerships and discuss the long-term consequences of the dismantling of USAID. 0:00 – Introduction  1:17 – What was USAID and its global impact before 2025 3:00 – USAID work in global health and food security 5:10 – The inception and impact of PEPFAR 8:07 – US politics and the continuity of USAID during the first Trump Administration 13:29 – The executive order to freeze foreign aid and its implications 15:37 – Legal questions around the executive order and appropriations law 18:24 – Experience with DOGE and the management style of Elon Musk  21:30 – Stories of chaos by the DOGE team and destruction within USAID  26:17 – How the political leadership of USAID was unaware of the work of the agency and implications on current health outbreaks like Ebola  32:10 – The long-term consequences of dismantling USAID and rebuilding trust  40:33 – Nicholas Enrich's current work and future plans Resources: Into the Wood Chipper: A Whistleblower's Account of How the Trump Administration Shredded USAID https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Into-the-Wood-Chipper/Nicholas-Enrich/9781668226957 Cast of Hair perform Let The Sunshine In on The Ed Sullivan Show, March 30, 1969 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCXSA_biSw4&t=200s  __________________________________________________ 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 ...

  8. Jul 28

    New Guidelines for Statin Use in People with HIV – REPRIEVE Trial Updates - Dr Steven Grinspoon

    In episode 83 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Steven Grinspoon joins host Dr Michael Saag to provide an update on guidelines for statin use in people with HIV based on results from the REPRIEVE trial. Dr Grinspoon is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a clinician in the Neuroendocrine and Pituitary Tumor Clinical Center and faculty member at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He is a clinical researcher who studies hypothalamic control of body weight and fat distribution in obesity and lipodystrophy with a focus on the metabolic and cardiovascular consequences of visceral fat accumulation. Dr Grinspoon is the author of more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and serves as the chief of the Massachusetts General Metabolism Unit and the director of the Nutrition Obesity Research Center at Harvard. Dr Grinspoon and Dr Saag discuss the latest findings from the REPRIEVE trial and provide updates on statin guidelines for people with HIV as well as providing insights into cardiovascular risk management. They discuss the safety and efficacy of statins and the role of cardiovascular risk calculators in clinical practice in addition to discussing the impact of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and inflammation on cardiovascular risk. Dr Grinspoon also offers his outlook for where further research is needed based on the outcomes of the REPRIEVE trial. 0:00 – Introduction  1:33 – Overview of the REPRIEVE trial findings 2:44 – Changes in statin guidelines for people with HIV  6:51 – Safety and efficacy of statins 9:09 – Use of statins and diabetes risk 11:16 – Cardiovascular risk calculators 16:00 – Statin use and blood pressure 17:14 – Impact of LDL cholesterol and inflammation on cardiovascular risk 24:08 – Future directions in cardiovascular research for people with HIV   Resources: Going anti-Viral: Episode 56 – Cardiovascular Health in People with HIV – Dr Steven Grinspoon Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-management-of-cardiovascular-health-in-patients/id1713226144?i=1000725697103  YouTube: https://youtu.be/297vweZ5bjQ    REPRIEVE Trial:  https://www.reprievetrial.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 ...

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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
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Going anti-Viral
  • Show Website
    Going anti-Viral

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