In episode 65 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Gerald Friedland joins host Dr Michael Saag as the recipient of the IAS–USA Lifetime of Leadership Award, established nearly 15 years ago to honor individuals whose contributions have left a profound and lasting impact on HIV medicine, scientific education, and the mission of the IAS–USA. Dr Friedland discusses his extensive journey in the field of HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases, reflecting on his early career, the challenges faced during the early years of the AIDS epidemic, and the evolution of treatment strategies. Dr Friedland and Dr Saag emphasize the importance of collaboration, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge in addressing public health crises. Dr Friedland also discusses his research on tuberculosis and the integration of HIV treatment, highlighting important findings that have impacted healthcare practices.

0:00 – Introduction 

3:03 – Early life and medical journey

5:43 – First encounters with HIV/AIDS

8:39 – Understanding transmission and stigma

11:22 – Coping with the AIDS crisis

14:53 – The AZT trials and early treatments

16:31 – Advancements in HIV treatment

19:30 – Research on tuberculosis and HIV

27:32 – Reflections on a lifelong career

Resources

In-person or virtual registration for the presentation of the IAS-USA Lifetime of Leadership Award at the Scott M. Hammer Annual Update on HIV Management in New York, New York on March 16, 2026:

https://www.iasusa.org/events/hiv-update-2026-new-york/

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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.

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