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New Fellow Friday: Welcome, Dr. Nicole Hunter!

We are excited to welcome Dr. Nicole Hunter to our Infectious Diseases Fellowship program! Dr. Hunter joins us following the completion of residency in Rochester, New York. Read on to get to know Nicole!

Where did you go to residency?

I completed my residency training with Rochester Regional Health in Rochester, NY. Rochester is located in upstate New York, just north of the Finger Lakes. I had a great experience in my residency program. I took on several leadership roles, including House Staff Association Vice President in my second year and Associate Chief Resident in my third year. Interestingly, my co-fellow Calvin and I both trained in Rochester (but didn’t know each other)!

Tell us about the position you are starting.

I am starting at UNMC as an Infectious Diseases Fellow and candidate of the Health Educators and Leadership (HEAL) track. 

Why did you choose to come work at UNMC?

The Infectious Diseases fellowship program is what drew me to UNMC. The program is well-known within the ID community, and I found myself frequently coming across UNMC educators in the literature as well as in Febrile podcast episodes and within my ID Digital Institute training this year. My impression was that this program values education and would provide unparalleled training opportunities to prepare me for my future in ID. The HEAL track also presented an opportunity to advance my skills in medical education and leadership. On a more personal note, my husband and I couples matched for fellowship. As he loved his interview with the Gastroenterology and Hepatology department, we knew this would be a great fit for the two of us, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue our training at the same institution.

What makes you excited about working in ID?

In 2012, I was hospitalized in the ICU with septic shock and antibiotics saved my life. Taking this journey full circle and becoming an Infectious Diseases physician has been my motivation for many years. I find ID to be one of the most stimulating IM specialties, requiring a deep understanding of microbiology, immunology, and epidemiology. Patient cases range from common illnesses to rare and emerging pathogens, which keeps the work dynamic and exciting. There is a large collaborative culture as ID physicians have to work with a multitude of other healthcare professionals. One of my favorite collaborations is with medical microbiology. Following medical school, I achieved a Master of Science in Translational Medical Research, where I completed my bench side thesis work in the microbiology department. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the lab and liked the way it complemented my clinical experience and understanding. 

Tell us something about yourself that is unrelated to medicine.

I am Canadian, which means yes, I played hockey, yes, I worked at Tim Hortons, and yes, I say “sorry” a lot! My close-knit family is incredibly important to me, and I make it a priority to get home as often as possible. That being said, I travel quite a bit. I lived in Europe for eight years: Poland for six and Germany for two. The experience of living in another country and stepping outside of my comfort zone has taught me valuable life skills and lessons that have shaped the person I am today. Other than traveling, my hobbies include sports (volleyball, boxing), scuba diving, and reading non-medical books when I have the time, especially historical fiction. 

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Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis to be Keynote Speaker at Upcoming NIDS Conference

Last week, we shared that registration for the Nebraska Infectious Diseases Society’s (NIDS) annual meeting was officially open. In case you missed it, this great conference will be held on Friday, August 23rd, at the Thompson Alumni Center on UNO’s main campus (6705 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68182). This is always a fantastic opportunity to engage with fellow professionals and experts in the ID field and share your work in their anticipated annual poster session.

Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, keynote speaker for the upcoming NIDS meeting

This year, the keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, an internationally recognized infectious diseases physician and an expert on public health and health equity as well as Director of Health for the City of St. Louis. Additionally, Dr. Hlatshwayo Davis is heavily involved in the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), where she serves on the IDSA Board of Directors, is an Associate Editor for Disparities and Competent Care for IDSA, and is the Executive Producer and Co-host for IDSA’s “Let’s Talk” podcast. This is a highly anticipated event; Dr. Jonathan Ryder commented, “Having heard Dr. Mati Hlatshawayo Davis speak at other conferences, she is an engaging, charismatic, and passionate speaker with a wealth of expertise in the sphere of public health. I’m excited to hear her perspective on how, as an infectious diseases community, we can better engage in public health, as well as hear updates from the Infectious Diseases Society of America, where she serves as a member of the board.”

No doubt, Dr. Hlatshwayo Davis will deliver a fantastic keynote address to complement what will be a valuable and insightful meeting. Don’t miss out, register now to secure your spot! Details below:

Registration: Sign up and check out the agenda here

Time/Date: Friday, August 23 · 8am – 5pm

Location: Thompson Alumni Center, 6705 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68182

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New Fellow Friday: Welcome, Dr. Emily Dyer!

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Emily Dyer to our Infectious Diseases Fellowship program! Dr. Dyer joins us following the completion of residency at Creighton University. Read on to learn more!

Tell us about the position you are starting.

I am excited to be starting my fellowship in Infectious Diseases at UNMC! As a fellow, I will have the opportunity to learn about many different aspects of infectious diseases in both clinical practice and research.  

Why did you choose to come work at UNMC?

Working at UNMC gives me the opportunity to work alongside world-class physicians and serve my local community at the same time. I have spent most of my life in Omaha and I am happy to be close to my family as well. UNMC’s ID department is truly exceptional, and I am so proud to be part of it! 

What makes you excited about working in ID?

To me, ID is the most interesting and exciting field in medicine! I love working through complex cases that require critical thinking and broad medical knowledge. It is a privilege to learn so much about our patients and their lives. ID also provides a unique opportunity to care for underserved and marginalized patients who are often disproportionately impacted by infectious diseases. I admire so many amazing ID physicians who are great leaders in our hospitals and community and I’m excited to be able to learn from them.   

Tell us something about yourself that is unrelated to medicine.

I love everything about the natural world- animals, plants (and microbes!) I enjoy spending time outside and learning about creatures I encounter, as well as spending time at home with my two cats. 

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Nebraska Infectious Diseases Society to hold Annual Meeting

The Nebraska Infectious Diseases Society is excited to announce that registration for their annual meeting is open. Join us for a day filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and the latest updates in the field of infectious diseases. This in-person event will take place at the Thompson Alumni Center on UNO’s main campus (6705 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68182) on Friday, August 23rd, providing a comfortable and professional setting for attendees to connect and learn from each other.

Dr. Ryder, who recently commented on the upcoming meeting

This conference is always a valuable opportunity, both to connect with other ID professionals and to share your work or learn from others’. Underscoring this, Dr. Jonathan Ryder commented, “I look forward to the Nebraska Infectious Diseases Society Annual Meeting each year, as it provides an excellent opportunity to engage with colleagues from across the state and hear local and national updates from infectious diseases experts. Additionally, our poster session continues to grow each year with a record number of submissions as the next generation presents fascinating cases and novel research.”

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to engage with fellow professionals and experts in the field. Register now to secure your spot! Details below:

Registration: Sign up and check out the agenda here

Time/Date: Friday, August 23 · 8am – 5pm

Location: Thompson Alumni Center, 6705 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68182

New Fellow Friday: Welcome, Dr. Calvin Albrecht

We are excited to welcome Dr. Calvin Albrecht as a new fellow in our Infectious Diseases program! Dr. Albrecht joins us following training in internal medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Read on to learn more!

Where did you go to residency?

Dr. Albrecht and his wife, Dr. Jilek

I completed residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. Rochester is an old industrial former boomtown in upstate New York and is known for its fanatic fandom of the Buffalo Bills. I couples-matched there with my wife (Elizabeth Jilek), who is also a fellow here at UNMC. She is in the pediatric track of the palliative care fellowship. We are both originally from Wisconsin. I am from just north of Milwaukee originally – I highly recommend visiting if you have not yet been.

Tell us about the position you are starting.

I am so excited to be joining the infectious diseases fellowship here at UNMC! I look forward to taking care of infections, both common and rare, and learning from a great team of mentors.

Why did you choose to come work at UNMC?

I chose to come train at UNMC for several reasons: to be closer to family (returning to the Midwest is so exciting and comforting), to explore a new city (Omaha has been great so far – I especially like the riverfront), & to learn from fantastic teachers. I was so impressed on my interview day by the ID physicians here & their passion for teaching. The antimicrobial stewardship program/team here is great, and to have access to the internationally-renowned biocontainment unit here is a great opportunity.

What makes you excited about working in ID?

ID is such an interesting field. You get to subspecialize while also not limiting yourself to being the expert in one body system. I like that it requires you to take a holistic view of patients, including what they do and are exposed to outside of the hospital/clinic. It is detective work for sure and can be very rewarding in that way. You get to meet and take care of vulnerable patient populations; this is a humbling and exciting opportunity. You get to be with intellectually curious people (ID lives up to its reputation of being the nerdiest specialty for sure in my opinion, and that is not a bad thing)!

Tell us something about yourself that is unrelated to medicine.

In terms of interests outside the hospital, I am a huge political nerd. I participated in a program in high school called Boys State (you get to work with other high schoolers to create mock city, county, and state-level governments – it’s a really neat program). I am also a movie buff. Must-see movies, in my opinion, are The Aviator (Scorsese), Vertigo (Hitchcock, of course), and (for the more adventurous) Mulholland Drive (David Lynch’s masterpiece).

Breaking the Stigma: Zero HIV Stigma Day at the UNMC Specialty Care Clinic

UNMC’s Specialty Care Clinic is committed to providing compassionate and inclusive care for all patients, especially those with and at risk for HIV. In honor of Zero HIV Stigma Day (celebrated on July 21st), we reflect on the importance of breaking down the barriers of stigma that continue to affect individuals and communities.

Understanding HIV Stigma

HIV stigma refers to negative beliefs, feelings, and attitudes towards people with and at risk for HIV. The stigma surrounding HIV is intersectional because it intersects with various forms of discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and other identities, compounding the marginalization experienced by individuals. This layered stigma creates unique challenges for different groups, such as gay men, people of color, and those in low-income communities, exacerbating health disparities and barriers to accessing care. Furthermore, this stigma can lead to discrimination, social isolation, and a reluctance to seek testing and treatment. As healthcare providers, we have a critical role in combating these harmful stereotypes and ensuring our patients feel supported and respected.

Our Commitment to Reducing Stigma

  1. Education and Awareness: We strive to educate our staff, patients, and the community about HIV in order to dispel myths and misconceptions. By promoting accurate information, we can reduce fear and discrimination. Let’s Stop HIV Together (Together) provides additional support here so you know what to do when you witness HIV stigma.
  2. Compassionate, Equitable, and Culturally Sensitive Care: Every patient deserves dignity and respect. We strive to ensure our interactions are empathetic and non-judgmental and work hard to create a safe environment for individuals to discuss their health concerns openly.
  3. Confidentiality: Protecting patient privacy is paramount. We adhere strictly to confidentiality protocols to ensure that personal health information is secure and only shared with authorized personnel.
  4. Support Services: We offer comprehensive support services, including case management and mental health counseling for patients and their families. These services help individuals cope with the emotional and social challenges associated with HIV.

Join Us in the Fight Against Stigma

On Zero Stigma HIV Day, we encourage everyone to join us in fostering an environment of acceptance and support. By working together, we can create a community where no one feels ashamed or isolated because of their HIV status.

Let’s stand united against stigma and continue our mission to provide exceptional care for all.

Together, we can make a difference.

This post was written by the following authors on behalf of the entire Specialty Care Center and our allies.

Sara Hurtado Bares, MD, FIDSA, Associate Professor and Let’s Stop HIV Together Clinical Ambassador

Nada Fadul, MD, Professor and Medical Director of the UNMC SCC

Jennifer Davis, MD, Assistant  Professor

Josh Havens, PharmD, Associate Professor and Clinical Pharmacist

Nichole Regan, APRN, FNP, MSN, Director of HIV Programs

Samantha Jones, CSW, Program Manager for the UNMC SCC’s Medical Case Management and Community Health Worker Programs

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Our Fellowship Leaders can’t wait to review your applications!

The following content was provided by Dr. Abbas (R) and Dr. Van Schooneveld (L), UNMC ID fellowship program directors. Read on to learn about our great program and please share with those who may be interested!

Fellowship application season is open, and as the leaders of our ID fellowship, we wanted to highlight some of the exciting aspects of our program. Our program and our division are growing. We began in 2011 with 2 fellows, grew to 4 in 2017, 5 in 2020, and our full complement now includes 6 fellows. Our faculty also continues to grow, as we now have 31 physician faculty and 4 full-time ID pharmacists with diverse expertise. Dr. Trevor Van Schooneveld is the Program Director and Director of the Antimicrobial Stewardship program and Dr. Anum Abbas is the Associate Program Director. This year we are looking forward to meeting you on our remote interviews via Zoom!

Dr. Casey Zelus teaching medical students about blood cultures

Fellows at UNMC enjoy a robust clinical experience that includes not only the typically complex patients seen at a tertiary referral center, but also includes extensive experience caring for immunosuppressed patients.  In addition to our General ID service, where our fellows gain experience in teaching medical students and Internal Medicine residents, we have two separate immunocompromised services that care for oncology and solid organ transplant patients.  We also have an orthopedic infectious diseases rotation where fellows gain experience managing these complex patients and work with faculty who have extensive experience in this area.  We have expanded our ambulatory offerings with the creation of a non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) clinic and a travel clinic.  Fellows have the opportunity to spend time in the microbiology laboratory, learn infection control and antimicrobial stewardship, and rotate on Community ID, which occurs at a nearby community hospital site, providing them with a more diverse clinical experience.  Fellows also gain practical experience with inpatient telehealth. The faculty at UNMC are nationally recognized experts in their field and are also very approachable and devoted to the education and success of trainees. They have created extensive educational opportunities, covering topics from opportunistic infections in solid organ and hematopoietic stem recipients to emerging global pathogens and biopreparedness. Fellows gain knowledge in HIV/AIDS management working in our multidisciplinary HIV clinic, which cares for over 1200 people with HIV. In addition to having access to world-class ID expert antimicrobial stewardship, OPAT, and HIV pharmacists, our division also includes an ID pharmacy residency program and opportunities for research collaboration and rounding with pharmacy students, residents, and faculty.

As new career opportunities develop for ID physicians, we have worked to provide our fellows with the skills to engage in these fields.  UNMC ID fellows receive extensive experience in the area of infection control and antimicrobial stewardship as well as dedicated biocontainment training.  UNMC also offers the opportunity to stay for an optional third year to further develop a research portfolio or pursue additional clinical expertise in subspecialty areas.

Graduate Dr. Raj Karnatak presenting his research

An important part of fellowship is developing skills in interpreting and performing research, and we provide our fellows with 4-6 months of mentored research experience centered on their career goals.  A research committee assists fellows in mentor identification and project development.  Fellows also participate in a week-long UNMC sponsored research training program, and typically present their work at national conferences like IDWeek and SHEA.

Our goal as program directors is to provide fellows with an educational experience that provides them with skills and knowledge to make them successful in whatever career path they choose.  The opportunities available to ID physicians continue to expand and we hope you will consider UNMC ID.  If you are interested in more information, please feel free to visit our website where you can check out a video to learn more about us. You can also contact us at the following:

Dr. Trevor Van Schooneveld
Program Director, Infectious Diseases Fellowship
Medical Director, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program
University of Nebraska Medical Center
985400 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198-9400
Email: tvanscho@unmc.edu

Dr. Anum Abbas
Associate Program Director, Infectious Diseases Fellowship
Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases
985400 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198-9400
Email: anum.abbas@unmc.edu

Top Tips for Acing Fellowship Interviews

It is July, and fellowship application season is upon us once again. Watch the UNMC ID blog in the coming weeks for fellowship application content. We begin with a practical guide to fellowship interviews. If you know someone gearing up for this important step, please share this post. A refresher on these skills can always be useful!

Multiple ID faculty contributed to this list, and thus, the credit goes to the entire UNMC Division.

As faculty, we have the amazing opportunity to both mentor and interview residents applying for fellowship in Infectious Diseases, and we have seen it all. From the great, well-prepared interviewee to the one who had the institutional information completely incorrect. We wish we could mentor every resident in person, but since that is not possible, we decided to do the next best thing and offer our tips and tricks to acing the ID (or any other) interview! Tips and tricks are in no particular order. 

  • Be yourself and relax.
  • Articulate why you are interested in this fellowship program, what your ID interests are and where you think you would like your career to go (even if you acknowledge that might change or be a little vague at this time).
  • Have an idea of how the program works and ask specific questions to help deepen that knowledge regarding the education you will receive. What are the strengths, weakness and unique aspects of the program you want to know more about?
  • Remember that you are interviewing the fellowship program as much as they are interviewing you. Do your research and come prepared with questions about everything from how the fellowship will prepare you for your career as an ID physician to where you will park.
    • Need suggestions on how to curate your list of questions?
      • Look up the program and Division on their website.
      • It is helpful to know a little about the faculty you are interviewing with, so if you get a schedule ahead of time find out what their clinical/research interests are and ask them about it – you can check out their publications on PubMed or Google Scholar to focus questions on specific topics.  If you don’t get a schedule ahead of time, ask them what their interests are or what their role is during your interview.
      •  Formulate questions important to you about the program, the institution and the local area regarding resources, lifestyle and more.
  • Be prepared to talk about your successes and the challenges you have encountered. For example, if you have an unexpected break in training, use that as example to illustrate what you learned from that experience. We do not expect perfection, but value honesty and clarity.
  • If you have something on your application that might be viewed negatively (academic difficulties, etc.) take the initiative and explain how you have overcome it and why you are a good candidate now before we have to ask you about it.
  • Consider a “highlight” reel handout for faculty on an updates to your CV since you submitted your application in ERAS. This can be incredibly beneficial if you have had a new publication, presentation or other activities demonstrating your interest in ID and future potential as a fellow.
  • Be friendly and treat everyone, including program coordinators and other office personnel kindly and with respect. Your interview starts from the moment some first meets you (a current fellow, administrative assistant or staff) and ends when you say goodbye to the last person. ALL opinions count. If you are rude to anyone, trust us, we will find out.
  • Be truthful and be yourself. Don’t answer questions with what you think the interviewer wants to hear (e.g. don’t say you want to do academic medicine if you are interested in private practice). This is the only way for both you and the program to determine whether or not you are truly a good fit.
  • Tell us something interesting about yourself, even if it doesn’t relate to ID.  It is important to be well-rounded, and hearing about hobbies, experiences and interests helps keep the interview conversation fun and flowing.
  • Thank the faculty for their time; the emails and cards with a personal comment regarding a specific detail of the interview are both appreciated and noticed.

PharmtoExamTable (Part 2): Why should sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim) be used with caution in patients with renal impairment or those on dialysis?

This #PharmToExamTable post was authored by Eric Hiatt, PharmD Candidate (2025) at the UNMC College of Pharmacy, and explores Bactrim’s use in those with impaired renal function.

(Content reviewed by Jenna Preusker, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP)

Recall from Part 1:

Impact of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim on Renal FunctionIn patients with renal impairment, administration of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim has been shown to have a significant incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) 
Mechanism of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim-Induced AKISulfamethoxazole’s metabolite, N-acetyl-sulfamethoxazole (NASM), may form crystalline structures in acidic urine, causing renal damage in the form of AKI.

In addition to increased risk of AKI, patients with renal impairment are more likely to experience electrolyte abnormalities while taking sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, particularly hyperkalemia and hyponatremia. The electrolyte abnormalities are believed to be attributed to the trimethoprim component of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim through an amiloride-like effect.4,5 Trimethoprim is structurally like amiloride, a diuretic known to retain potassium and excrete sodium in the kidneys. Furthermore, trimethoprim has been shown to inhibit the same sodium transport channels that amiloride inhibits reversibly. In animal studies, intravenous trimethoprim was shown to decrease potassium and increase sodium urinary excretion by 40% and 46%, respectively.4 These electrolyte abnormalities are reported to be more common with high doses of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim in non-renally impaired patients indicating these effects are dose dependent.5

In patients with renal impairment, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim can accumulate, resulting in common daily doses causing these electrolyte abnormalities.5 In the case of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, both drugs are primarily eliminated through the kidneys causing accumulation in renal impairment. In severe renal impairment, the half-life of both drugs can significantly increase from 11 and 9 hours each to 45-60 hours. The recommended dose adjustment to prevent accumulation of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim occurs when the patient’s creatinine clearance is <30 ml/min.6

CrClDose
CrCl < 30 ml/minStandard dose
CrCl 15-30 ml/minReduce dose by half
CrCl < 15 ml/minUse not recommended 
The FDA recommendations for the adjustment of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim based on renal impairment

Notably, the FDA does not recommend sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim use in patients with CrCl < 15 ml/min; however, it may be the only option available. 

CrClDose
CrCl < 30 ml/minStandard dose
CrCl 15-30 ml/minReduce dose by half
CrCl < 15 ml/minCrCl <15: Adjust to 25-50% of the total daily dose for indication. Use caution and monitor.
HemodialysisDose as CrCl < 15 ml/min, administer after HD on dialysis days 
Nebraska Medicine renal dose adjustment guidelines7

Alternative dosing based on type of dialysis based off the trimethoprim component:

Dialysis Trimethoprim Based Dose IV
Hemodialysis2.5-5 mg/kg every 12 hours; administered after hemodialysis
CVVH2.5-7.5 mg/kg every 12 hours
CVVHD4-5 mg/kg every 6-8 hours
CVVHDF4-5 mg/kg every 6-8 hours
Alternative Dialysis regimens8

Final Take Home Points:

Impact of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim on Renal FunctionIn patients with renal impairment, administration of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim has been shown to have a significant incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) 
Mechanism of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim-Induced AKISulfamethoxazole’s metabolite, N-acetyl-sulfamethoxazole (NASM), may form crystalline structures in acidic urine, causing renal damage in the form of AKI.
Electrolyte Abnormalities from sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprimPatients with renal impairment on sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim may develop hyperkalemia and hyponatremia due to trimethoprim’s effect on sodium and potassium transport. These effects are dose-dependent and more likely in patients with impaired renal function due to drug accumulation.
Dosing Adjustments in Renal ImpairmentSulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim’s elimination is primarily renal, with a prolonged half-life in severe renal impairment. FDA dosing adjustments based on CrCl levels: CrCl >30 mL/min: standard dose, CrCl 15-30 mL/min: reduce dose by half, CrCl <15 mL/min: use not recommended, but may be necessary

References:

1. Fraser TN, Avellaneda AA, Graviss EA, et al. Acute kidney injury associated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2012; 67(5), 1271–1277. https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dks030

2. Azencot R, Saint-Jacques C, Haymann JP, et al. Sulfamethoxazole-induced crystal nephropathy: Characterization and prognosis in a case series. Scientific Reports, 2024; 14, 6078. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56322-9

3. Perazella MA. Crystal-induced acute renal failure. The American Journal of Medicine, 1999; 106(4), 459–465. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9343(99)00041-8

4. Perazella MA. Trimethoprim-Induced Hyperkalaemia. Drug Safety, 2000; 22(3), 227–236. https://doi.org/10.2165/00002018-200022030-00006

5. Mori H, Kuroda Y, Imamura S, et al. Hyponatremia and/or Hyperkalemia in Patients Treated with the Standard Dose of Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Internal Medicine, 2003; 42(8), 665–669. https://doi.org/10.2169/internalmedicine.42.665

6. Patel RB, Welling PG. Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole). Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 1980; 5(5), 405–423. https://doi.org/10.2165/00003088-198005050-00001

7. Nebraska Medicine renal guidelines for antibiotics. Accessed May 2024. https://www.unmc.edu/intmed/_documents/id/asp/dose-nm-anti-infective-renal-dosing-guidelines.pdf

8. Golightly LK, Teitelbaum I, Kiser, TH, et al. Renal Pharmacotherapy: Dosage Adjustment of Medications Eliminated by the Kidneys. Springer New York; 2013. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5800-5

National HIV Testing Day: Let’s Stop HIV Together

Content provided by Dr. Sara H. Bares, MD, FIDSA Associate Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases | Let’s Stop HIV Together Clinical Ambassador

National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) was first observed in the United States on June 27, 1995, and has been observed every year since.  Although much progress has been made in the last 29 years, we have a long way to go to successfully end the HIV epidemic. Currently, one in seven people with HIV (14%) are unaware of their status and thus at risk for disease progression and transmission to others.

This year’s NHTD theme is “Level up your self-love: check your status,” an important message that aims to emphasize the ways in which knowing our HIV status enables us to maximize our health. People who test negative for HIV can be offered HIV prevention tools such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and people who test positive for HIV can start antiretroviral therapy (ART) to stay healthy. HIV testing is widely available and can be accessed via Nebraska Medicine as well as community partners such as Nebraska AIDS Project, OneWorld Community Health Centers, North Omaha Area Health clinic, Charles Drew Health Center and the Douglas County Health Department. For those unable to travel to a testing site or who would like anonymity, self-testing kits such as the Together TakeMeHome kits are available at no cost.

While this year’s theme aims to empower community members to get tested for HIV as a form of self-care, I hereby call on providers to “level up” their game and screen all patients between the ages of 13 and 64 at least once during any medical encounter (and annually if they have ongoing risk factors). Nebraska is far behind the national testing goal (only 26% of adults living in Nebraska had ever had an HIV test as of 2022) but, together, we can change this.

I am proud to share that our partners in the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Emergency Department are now offering HIV tests along with other STI testing and we look forward to expanded testing throughout our hospital and medical center as we all work towards the goal of ending the HIV epidemic together.

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