SFGH: Ward 86-HIV Clinic
Last Friday, the BIE teams visited Ward 86 in San Francisco. Housed in an unassuming redbrick building, Ward 86 is the world’s oldest HIV/AIDS specialized-clinic and renowned internationally for its HIV/AIDs research.
We were first greeted by Dr. Susa Coffey, Editor-in-Chief for UCSF Center for HIV Information and HIV InSite. She gave us a historical overview of Ward 86 and HIV in SF. She highlighted how HIV was a special disease in that it required a multi-disciplinary approach. Many HIV patients also suffered from severe socioeconomic issues that made continual treatment difficult. In response, Ward 86 created teams of doctors, social workers, and other health providers, integrating HIV treatment to a one-stop-shop for all HIV-related issues. Furthermore, Wards 86 worked with social activists and forged partnerships with private, state, and federal organizations to help reduce the stigma of HIV and increase public awareness. Known today as the San Francisco Model of Care, this fully integrated system of treatment and active civic engagement dramatically curbed HIV rates over the years.
Following Dr. Coffey was a series of presentations by different doctors highlighting HIV’s impact both domestically and internationally. Dr. Hyman Scott talked about the current state of HIV in America. Despite modern medical advances, the lifetime risk of contracting HIV remains staggeringly high in certain groups. One in six men who have sex with men (MSM) will contract HIV. This number rises to one in two among African-Americans MSM. He stressed the need for continual public outreach and providing preventative measures.
Dr. Gabe Chamie went next. He focused primarily on his research, Sustainable East Africa Research of Community Health — Uganda and Kenya (SEARCH). His work, along with that of his peers, is working to reduce HIV transmission rates in underdeveloped communities by integrating HIV testing and care in overall wellness. Nevertheless, he stressed the need for POC rapid HIV diagnostic equipment and methods increase patient compliance with HIV medications.
At the end of the presentation, RN Guy Vandenberg showed us around Ward 86. He walked us through as if we were patients. We got to see patient rooms, the integrated HIV treatment teams, and the emergency care areas. Moreover, he talked about his experience treating HIV patients over decades. RN Vandenberg stated how he was blown away by how much progress had been made in HIV treatment. In the 1980s, HIV was a death sentence, with the average life expectancy at 18 months post infection. Today, with proper treatment, HIV(+) patients can have nearly the same life expectancy as the average American.
We were very fortunate to have this opportunity to visit Ward 86. We walked away with a sense of measured optimism and enthusiasm towards HIV treatment. We would like to thank the staff of Ward 86 for accommodating us. It was a memorable experience!
Gold Team: Michael Manguinao, Katie, Priya Bhattacharjee, and Matt
Blue Team: Jessica Hsueh, Annika Carlson, SARA SAMPSON, and Karthik Prasad
