HIV Docs Share Treatment Smarts

"Long-term data is important, especially studies in people with more advanced disease. People of color are often diagnosed late. With low T-cell counts, I often use a protease inhibitor, because of good immunologic and virologic outcomes."
LLOYD BAILEY, MD
St. Vincent’s Midtown Hospital, New York City

"There is  tremedous fear of side effects. I spend time working on the relationship with a patient before starting meds. I explain different options. 'Here’s one where you might get a rash, another where you might have strange dreams.' I have them come back frequently to see how they’re doing."
VALERIE STONE, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston

"A lot of people come in feeling hopeless. You have to figure out what’s important to the patient and what they’re living for—and talk about why these pills will help them do that."
JOSEPH GATHE, MD
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston