Dr. Lewis presents HIV research at global conference

University of Washington emergency medicine resident, Dr. Sam Lewis, is contributing to important research on HIV care in refugee settlements. His recent findings were presented at the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC) Continuum 2025 Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The international gathering brings together clinicians, researchers, and public health leaders committed to advancing HIV care and equity worldwide.

Lewis' research focuses on predictors of long-term HIV infection in refugee settlements in Uganda. The study is part of a larger longitudinal project examining care engagement among individuals newly diagnosed with HIV.

The work, conducted in collaboration with the Infectious Diseases Institute in Uganda and the University of Washington, aims to inform more effective, targeted care strategies in complex humanitarian settings where health disparities are often pronounced.

“At a particularly tumultuous time for the HIV research and care communities, it was invaluable to gather with those working at the forefront of this critical issue,” Lewis said. “I learned countless lessons on adaptation and resilience, and was inspired by the community's redoubling of commitments to improve care for individuals with HIV despite great challenges.”

Lewis credits the guidance of Dr. Kelli O’Laughlin, whose research in global emergency medicine and HIV care focuses on community-centered approaches in low-resource settings.

“Dr. O'Laughlin not only exemplifies how to conduct critical research with kindness and genuine care for the community she serves and research team alike, but she is an endlessly generous and thoughtful mentor,” Lewis said. “I want to express my sincerest thanks to all who made this possible.”