Dr. Kinna Thakarar, an infectious disease specialist, Dr. Ayesha Appa, a patient-centered care advocate, and Chastity Tuell, a harm reductionist, spotlight critical topics in addiction and infection management. They discuss innovative harm reduction strategies and the importance of shared decision-making for drug users. The conversation also sheds light on rural healthcare barriers and the stigma surrounding substance use. Personal anecdotes highlight cultural joys, all while emphasizing a patient-centered approach to improve health outcomes in vulnerable communities.

Dr. Ayesha Appa discusses person-centered care when treating infectious endocarditis in injection drug users. The importance of multidisciplinary teams, treatment strategies, and patient-centered history. The challenges of counseling patients on safer injection practices and treatment options for opioid use disorder and infectious endocarditis are also explored.