We are seeking a medical student to assist with an exciting new clinical research study called “BEAT HCV.” This study explores Barriers to Eligibility and Acceptance of Treatment for Hepatitis C among substance users (primarily injection drug users) and patients coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C.

This is a cross-sectional survey study involving in-depth interviews and clinical laboratory evaluation, post-test counseling, and community-based medical and psychosocial referrals. Study participants are recruited from the San Francisco VA Medical Center methadone and HIV coinfection clinics, San Francisco General Hospital, and from street settings in high-risk San Francisco neighborhoods.

In exchange for assistance with the study, we will make study data available for either a masters or doctoral thesis, if desired. We will also include the student on any publications that result from this study. A small stipend is negotiable as well. This is an ideal study for a student wanting experience with primary data collection from high-risk populations. (This is also a fun study with a good group of people!)

Responsibilities could include:

1. Participating in data collection activities at the SFVA Medical Center and SF General Hospitals,
2. Participating in the recruiting, selecting, scheduling, enrolling and interviewing of study participants,
3. Participating in data management, assisting with data analysis and producing interval data reports, as well as, preparing data for presentation or publication.

The study is based at the San Francisco VA Medical Center.

If interested, please direct all inquires to:

Dr. Karen Seal, M.D., MPH (Principal Investigator)
Assistant Professor of Medicine
SFVAMC- Box 111A-1
4150 Clement Street
SF, CA 94121
(415) 221-4810 (X4852)
karens@itsa.ucsf.edu

Dr. Christian Miner, Ph.D (Study Director)
221-4810 (X4627)
Christian.Miner@med.va.gov

We will request a resume (curriculum vitae) from all interested candidates.