From the PcMED Project, this podcast brings patients and healthcare professionals the latest insights and practical advice on managing HIV prevention through Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
Hosted by internal medicine physician Dr. Rasika Karnik, the episodes feature expert guests like infectious disease specialists Dr. Rafaele Bernardo and Dr. Uriel Felsen, and Zaccary, a patient-advocate. Each episode covers important topics such as different PrEP medications, patient management strategies, components of patient visits and follow-ups, sexual health, and navigating insurance and barriers to adherence. The podcast offers clear, actionable information for physicians looking to incorporate PrEP into their clinical practice, and for patients considering or currently using PrEP.
Women account for nearly one in five new HIV infections in the United States. Yet despite major advances in HIV prevention, women remain significantly underrepresented among PrEP users.
In this episode, infectious disease specialist Dr. Ralph Bernardo, nurse practitioner Britney Sanders, and HIV prevention specialist Arnissa Tyson discuss the barriers that limit PrEP uptake among women and share practical strategies for improving awareness, access, and patient engagement. From stigma and risk perception to pregnancy considerations and available PrEP options, this conversation offers actionable insights for healthcare professionals seeking to expand HIV prevention in women's healthcare.
27 May 2026
Pick Your PrEP: Finding The Right Fit For You
Thinking about starting PrEP but not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered. From daily pills to long-acting injections, here’s what you need to know before choosing a PrEP option. In this episode of PrEP Essentials: Knowledge for Health, we break down the four available PrEP medication options—including the newest long-acting injectable—to help you better understand your choices. Whether you’re thinking about starting PrEP, considering a switch, or just exploring what might work best for your lifestyle, this episode offers practical guidance on the pros and cons of each option, how they work, and what to consider when making a decision. Join PrEP experts Kendall Lawson from AIDS Alabama and Dr. Ralph Bernardo for an informative, judgment-free conversation designed to help you make confident decisions about your sexual health.
8 May 2026
PrEP in Practice: Answering Patients’ Most Common Questions
What do patients really want to know about PrEP? How can healthcare providers answer those questions with clarity, confidence, and compassion? In this episode of PrEP Essentials, infectious disease specialist Jonathan Shuter, and Kendall Lawson and Arianna Martinez from AIDS Alabama have a practical discussion about the concerns patients bring into the exam room. Together, they explore the questions patients are often hesitant to ask, including side effects, missed doses, insurance coverage, stigma, adherence, and long-term safety, while offering real-world strategies for building trust, improving communication, and making HIV prevention conversations more effective and approachable.
27 Apr 2026
Living with PrEP: A Practical Guide for New Users
What does it look like to live with PrEP day to day? In this episode, we go beyond prescriptions and guidelines to explore the real-life experience of taking PrEP, from building routines and managing missed doses to navigating side effects, refills, and follow-up care.
Kendall Lawson from the Living Well Clinic at AIDS Alabama and Dr Ralph Bernardo discuss practical strategies for challenges including pill fatigue, privacy, dating, communicating with providers, and how PrEP can empower people to take charge of their sexual health.
24 Nov 2025
Starting PrEP: What to Know, What to Ask, What to Expect
In this episode of PrEP Essentials, Dr. Uriel Felsen, an infectious diseases doctor at Montefiore Medical center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Dr. Raffaele Bernardo, an internist and infectious diseases specialist and Medical Director of an LGBTQ+ practice in Northern New Jersey, join Gianni, a patient representative, for a clear, practical conversation about today’s PrEP options—what’s available, what’s new, and what every potential user should know before getting started.Whether you’re curious about daily pills, long-acting injectables, or wondering how to choose the option that fits your life, this episode breaks it all down in plain language.
13 Nov 2025
From Daily Pills to Long-Acting Injectables: What’s New in PrEP?
Join PrEP Essentials as we explore the latest HIV prevention strategies and the expanding PrEP toolbox. Two leading clinicians and a patient advocate discuss the full range of PrEP medications, including daily oral pills, long-acting injectables, and the newest breakthrough: lenacapavir for PrEP. Learn how PrEP works, prescribing guidelines for healthcare professionals, and practical tips for improving adherence. Plus, hear real-world patient experiences with PrEP, including questions and concerns about oral vs injectable options. Whether you’re a prescriber or part of a care team, this episode delivers actionable insights on PrEP adherence, risk reduction tools, and the future of HIV prevention.
24 Jul 2024
PrEP for Physicians: Guidelines for Healthcare Professionals
8 Jul 2024
PrEP for Physicians: Taking a Sexual History
Tips to start the conversation with your patient
20 Jun 2024
PrEP for Physicians: Overcoming Barriers - Implementing a PrEP program in your practice
5 Jun 2024
PrEP for Patients: Your Medication Options
20 May 2024
PrEP for Patients: Is PrEP Right For You? Exploring Your Options
30 Apr 2024
PrEP for Patients: What to Expect at Your Doctor's Visit
PrEP for Patients: What to Expect at Your Doctor's Visit
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