Dr. Luis Parra-Rodriguez joined the Department of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases as an Assistant Professor as of June 2023. He developed his clinical foundation during medical school in Venezuela and spent one year as a general practitioner in rural medicine followed by a year-long hospital medicine internship. After completing a residency in internal medicine at Cook County Hospital in Chicago followed by a Chief Residency year, he pursued further training in infectious diseases at Washington University in St. Louis. He then sought specific HIV/AIDS Medicine training with a one-year clinical research fellowship in this area. This training has provided him with a wealth of clinical knowledge and skills to serve people with HIV and other disadvantaged populations while also accumulating ample experience in vastly different social and clinical settings. During his fellowship training, he have had the opportunity to explore and develop his research skills, including study design, data interpretation, and scientific writing, under the mentorship of Dr. Jane O’Halloran and other faculty members. Within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Parra-Rodriguez collaborated with basic and translational research laboratories on various COVID-19-related research projects, while simultaneously focusing on clinical research in HIV medicine.
Dr. Parra-Rodriguez has dedicated particular attention to non-AIDS-related comorbidities such as cardio-metabolic conditions, mental health, and the long-term effects of antiretroviral therapy. His current research projects include an analysis of the risk of major adverse cardiac events in people with HIV using modern antiretroviral therapy, an analysis of the impact of integrase inhibitors on cognitive performance in people with HIV. A study evaluating pancreatic function in people using integrase inhibitors for HIV treatment or prevention, and an evaluation of the association between modern antiretroviral regimens and depressive symptoms in women with HIV from the WIHS cohort. His professional goal is to establish an independent academic career focused on HIV-related research. Furthermore, he also appreciates the value of medical education. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in teaching activities for medical students and residents. He believes that providing mentorship and guidance to the next generation of medical professionals provides a unique opportunity to inspire and encourage innovation in the field of medicine. His clinical and research experience has prepared him to make a difference in medicine, specifically in the field of HIV. He possesses the knowledge, expertise, and passion to continue contributing to research, treating patients, and teaching others along the way. His key interests are HIV, antiretroviral therapy, non-AIDS-related comorbidities and HIV and aging.