"My job is to manage antiviral treatment for people living with HIV. Keeping my patients healthy is my main goal…attaining viral suppression means patients cannot pass it on to others. It’s a win/win."
“I work on an outpatient multidisciplinary care team in Surrey. My job is to manage antiviral treatment for people living with HIV. Keeping my patients healthy is my main goal but there is an added benefit to good HIV care: attaining viral suppression means patients cannot pass it on to others. It’s a win/win.
HIV medicine can be tricky for people with compromised immune systems. HIV testing and early diagnosis is key to avoiding complications. Most people can take a one-pill-a-day combination with few side effects. I’ve seen patients cry at this good news. Good HIV care means a healthy, productive life.
After graduating from UBC pharmacy I joined Peace Arch Hospital, followed by a number of years at the BC Drug and Poison Information Centre. In my spare time I volunteered in gay men’s health at Positive Living BC and Health Initiative for Men. In early 2014 I joined the Positive Health Services team in Surrey.
I grew up on a verdant apple orchard in Creston. Today, I live in downtown Vancouver. I’m a trivia buff (love Jeopardy). I hang out with my friends, read, write, and cook (I like to bake cakes). For exercise I do Super Sandbag Training (Google it!).”
-- Rob Gair, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Positive Health Services, Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre, Surrey
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