Course

Dr. Andrew Talal, MD, MPH is a physician-scientist with more than 20 years’ experience in treating hepatitis C virus (HCV), especially among substance users. He is currently Professor of Medicine at SUNY, University at Buffalo where he has been the principal investigator on a 7-year award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to study a facilitated telemedicine model-based HCV treatment among patients in treatment for opioid use disorder. The study consists of 12 telemedicine sites across New York State conducting integrated treatment of HCV and opiate use disorder. Dr. Talal was also appointment by New York Governor to a task force to develop a statewide HCV elimination plan and he also serves on the NYS HCV Guidelines committee. 

Dr. Dharia’s scope of clinical and research interests include infectious diseases, gastroenterology, and hepatology. These fields have directed his focus on hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV treatment has been revolutionized, which has sparked the global goal of HCV elimination. In light of this objective, Dr. Dharia aims to collaborate with like-minded academic and non-academic institutions to promote awareness on HCV screening, treatment, and elimination. Dr. Dharia seeks to provide education to clinical and non-clinical staff to promote HCV elimination. Additionally, Dr. Dharia aims to identify obstacles to HCV care access and develop innovative interventions to address restricted access to HCV care.