{"id":6408,"date":"2026-02-19T10:04:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T16:04:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/?p=6408"},"modified":"2026-02-16T20:25:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T02:25:09","slug":"conference-on-retroviruses-and-opportunistic-infections-croi-2026-where-to-find-our-unmc-id-experts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/2026\/02\/19\/conference-on-retroviruses-and-opportunistic-infections-croi-2026-where-to-find-our-unmc-id-experts\/","title":{"rendered":"Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) 2026: Where to find our UNMC ID experts"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"panel body-content\"><div class=\"panel__container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"404\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2026\/02\/Designer-9-1-1024x404.png\" alt=\"Wide banner showing the Denver skyline with snow\u2011capped mountains behind it, overlaid with graphics representing HIV research\u2014including red ribbon imagery, virus illustrations, laboratory gloved hands handling test tubes, and a silhouette of a presenter in front of a chart. Large text reads \u2018UNMC ID at Conference on Retroviruses &amp; Opportunistic Infections \u2013 CROI 2026,\u2019 with event dates \u2018February 22\u201326, 2026 | Denver, Colorado\" class=\"wp-image-6471\" style=\"width:1226px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2026\/02\/Designer-9-1-1024x404.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2026\/02\/Designer-9-1-300x118.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2026\/02\/Designer-9-1-768x303.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2026\/02\/Designer-9-1.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The CROI 2026 meeting promises to be a vibrant gathering of thought leaders in HIV treatment, prevention, and cure research. Held from February 22-26, 2026, in Denver, CO, the event will feature groundbreaking research, innovative practices, and insightful discussions. We are also proud to highlight that <strong>Kim Scarsi, PharmD<\/strong>, one of our exceptional pharmacist faculty, serves on the <strong>CROI Scientific Program Committee<\/strong>, contributing to shaping the scientific agenda for this global meeting. We&#8217;re thrilled to amplify the brilliant presenters from our division, each contributing to the advancement of healthcare practices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>UNMC Presentations at CROI 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-65200e62-cd44-4145-b371-bc23bcac37c0\"><strong><mark>Posters:<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"block-3b675ad3-2b9b-400c-8442-36b91c3a0cd0\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Division Authors: <em>Shawna Sunagawa<\/em><\/strong>, <strong>Kim Scarsi<\/strong><br><em>Presentation:<\/em> Delamanid and Linezolid PK in the Treatment of Drug-Resistant Pulmonary TB: Results from ACTG 5356<br><em>Time:<\/em> Poster Session: Wednesday, February 25, 2:30-4pm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Division Authors: Nada Fadul <\/strong>(As part of the National Clinical Cohort Collaborative Team)<br><em>Presentation:<\/em> Prescriptions for Oral vs Injectable HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis &#8211; Who is using Injectable PrEP, and How&#8217;s That Going?<br><em>Time:<\/em> Poster Session: Tuesday, February 25, 2:30-4pm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-3d559c75-8413-48d7-ab79-a0c8ac6ece2c\"><strong><mark>Oral Abstracts<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-c3688f1a-4fc7-4e33-b1bd-c0caae662e6a\"><strong>Division Authors:<\/strong> <em><strong>Sue Swindells<\/strong><\/em> (As part of the A5406 study team author list: <em>Wasserman S, van de Venter R, Harrison L, McKhann A, Ignatius E, Maartens G, <strong>Swindells S,<\/strong>&nbsp;Naidoo A, Shenje J, Avihingsanon A, Denti P, Wasmann R, Chaisson RE <\/em>for the A5406 study team)<br><em>Presentation:<\/em> Twice-Daily Dolutegravir with a 4-Month Rifapentine-Based Regimen for HIV-Associated Tuberculosis<br><em>Time:<\/em> Tuesday February 24- 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Meet the Speakers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-id=\"6234\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2025\/10\/sunagawa_shawnalyn_900x600.jpg\" alt=\"smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a blue shirt. in the foreground, name &quot;Shawnalyn Sunagawa, PharmD&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-6234\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2025\/10\/sunagawa_shawnalyn_900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2025\/10\/sunagawa_shawnalyn_900x600-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2025\/10\/sunagawa_shawnalyn_900x600-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shawnalyn Sunagawa, PharmD<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" data-id=\"6048\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2025\/02\/SusanSwindells120122-1024x684-1.jpg\" alt=\"smiling woman with short white hair wearing a white shirt and pink blazer. in the background, Nebraska Medicine logo. in the foreground, name &quot;Susan Swindells, M.B.B.S&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-6048\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2025\/02\/SusanSwindells120122-1024x684-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2025\/02\/SusanSwindells120122-1024x684-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2025\/02\/SusanSwindells120122-1024x684-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2025\/02\/SusanSwindells120122-1024x684-1-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Susan Swindells, M.B.B.S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"340\" height=\"258\" data-id=\"3231\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2020\/01\/scarsiindiv.jpg\" alt=\"smiling woman with short blonde hair wearing a green shirt and dark grey blazer.  in the foreground, name &quot;Kim Scarsi, PharmD&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-3231\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2020\/01\/scarsiindiv.jpg 340w, https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2020\/01\/scarsiindiv-300x228.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2020\/01\/scarsiindiv-120x91.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 340px) 100vw, 340px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kim Scarsi, PharmD<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Dr. Shawna Sunagawa<\/strong> is a clinical pharmacist at the Nebraska Medicine Specialty Care Center, where she provides expert medication management for people living with HIV. Her work is integral to supporting ART adherence, managing drug\u2013drug interactions, and helping patients navigate complex treatment plans. She contributes actively to clinical research and multidisciplinary care at UNMC.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Dr. Sue Swindells<\/strong> is a globally recognized HIV researcher whose work has shaped standards of care for HIV treatment and prevention. She has led major NIH- and ACTG\u2011funded clinical trials, including those focused on long\u2011acting antiretrovirals and TB\/HIV coinfection. Her leadership on the ACTG A5406 study team continues her legacy of bringing evidence-based, innovative therapies to people living with HIV worldwide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Dr. Kim Scarsi<\/strong> is a distinguished HIV pharmacist and researcher in the UNMC Division of Infectious Diseases. She plays a major role in optimizing HIV therapy, advancing pharmacologic research, and mentoring the next generation of HIV clinicians. Dr. Scarsi has contributed to multiple national and international research collaborations and brings deep expertise in antiretroviral therapy and long\u2011acting formulations. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:46% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2025\/02\/NadaFadul072524-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"smiling woman with flower patterned head covering, wearing a pink shirt and burgundy blazer\" class=\"wp-image-6047 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2025\/02\/NadaFadul072524-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2025\/02\/NadaFadul072524-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2025\/02\/NadaFadul072524-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2025\/02\/NadaFadul072524-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2025\/02\/NadaFadul072524-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/54\/2025\/02\/NadaFadul072524.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Dr. Nada Fadul<\/strong> is a Professor of Medicine and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she also serves as Principal Investigator for the Ryan White Parts C &amp; D programs. Her work spans HIV clinical care, health equity, and implementation science, with a strong record of publishing in high\u2011impact journals and presenting at national and international conferences. She is a leader in the HIV Medical Association, serving on its Board of Directors and as Chair of the Awards Committee, and is deeply committed to mentoring trainees and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in medical education.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>HIV Clinical Care &amp; Research at UNMC<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>UNMC and Nebraska Medicine have built one of the Midwest\u2019s most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/intmed\/divisions\/id\/hiv\/research.html\" id=\"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/intmed\/divisions\/id\/hiv\/research.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"comprehensive HIV care and research programs, opens in a new window\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">comprehensive HIV care and research programs<\/a>. The <strong>UNMC\/Nebraska Medicine Specialty Care Center (SCC)<\/strong> has been providing high\u2011quality HIV clinical care for over <strong>30 years<\/strong>, serving patients from Nebraska, western Iowa, and the broader region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A Multidisciplinary Model of Excellence<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The SCC\u2019s care model includes infectious disease physicians, pharmacists, nurses, behavioral health specialists, case managers, and research staff<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/hiv\/meet-the-hiv-team\" id=\"https:\/\/www.nebraskamed.com\/hiv\/meet-the-hiv-team\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" working together, opens in a new window\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> working together<\/a> to support every aspect of patient health. Physician leaders such as <strong>Dr. Sara Bares<\/strong> (Medical Director of the SCC) and <strong>Dr. Nada Fadul<\/strong> (Ryan White Parts C &amp; D Principal Investigator) lead efforts to reduce disparities, expand treatment access, and ensure equitable care across communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Leadership in Long\u2011Acting HIV Treatment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>UNMC is also a national leader in <strong>long\u2011acting injectable HIV therapy<\/strong>, which offers an alternative to daily oral medications and helps patients overcome barriers such as pill burden, stigma, and housing or food insecurity. A major grant awarded to <strong>Dr. Nada Fadul<\/strong> supports <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2024\/07\/25\/long-acting-hiv-treatment-to-be-offered-in-greater-nebraska\/\" id=\"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2024\/07\/25\/long-acting-hiv-treatment-to-be-offered-in-greater-nebraska\/\">expanding long\u2011acting therapy beyond Omaha<\/a>, increasing access for patients across greater Nebraska.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Innovative, Impactful Research including: <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clinical trials of new antiretroviral therapies and long\u2011acting formulations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Studies on HIV\/STI prevention, including PrEP, PEP, and doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research addressing HIV in women, pregnancy, and LGBTQIA+ populations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Technology\u2011supported engagement efforts such as telehealth and text\u2011based adherence interventions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong>Join Us at CROI 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-82b3da74-872e-4aa7-8aa3-80e4d116e6a0\">These exceptional presentations highlight the commitment of our faculty, pharmacists, and researchers to advancing science and improving care for people living with HIV and related infections. Be sure to mark your calendar so you don&#8217;t miss these sessions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-e1e38dd1-b082-44a8-886b-41fa4ea8e269\"><strong>If you attend one of our sessions, tag us on Bluesky @unmc-id.bsky.social<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<form name=\"s2form\" method=\"post\" action=\"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/subscribe2\/\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"ip\" value=\"216.73.216.108\" \/><span style=\"display:none !important\"><label for=\"firstname\">Leave This Blank:<\/label><input type=\"text\" id=\"firstname\" name=\"firstname\" \/><label for=\"lastname\">Leave This Blank Too:<\/label><input type=\"text\" id=\"lastname\" name=\"lastname\" \/><label for=\"uri\">Do Not Change This:<\/label><input type=\"text\" id=\"uri\" name=\"uri\" value=\"http:\/\/\" \/><\/span><p><label for=\"s2email\">Your email:<\/label><br><input type=\"email\" name=\"email\" id=\"s2email\" value=\"Enter email address...\" size=\"20\" onfocus=\"if (this.value === 'Enter email address...') {this.value = '';}\" onblur=\"if (this.value === '') {this.value = 'Enter email address...';}\" \/><\/p><p><input type=\"submit\" name=\"subscribe\" value=\"Subscribe\" \/>&nbsp;<input type=\"submit\" name=\"unsubscribe\" value=\"Unsubscribe\" \/><\/p><\/form>\r\n\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The CROI 2026 meeting promises to be a vibrant gathering of thought leaders in HIV treatment, prevention, and cure research. We&#8217;re thrilled to amplify the brilliant presenters from our division, each contributing to the advancement of healthcare practices.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":562,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6408","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6408","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/562"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6408"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6408\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6486,"href":"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6408\/revisions\/6486"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6408"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6408"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.unmc.edu\/infectious-disease\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6408"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}