Assistant Professor, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine
Dr. Aniruddha Hazra’s research centers around sexually transmitted infections and their impact on sexual and gender minorities as well as other vulnerable populations living on the South Side of Chicago. These interests are complemented by his clinical work in complex HIV management, PrEP care, Hepatitis C management, gender affirming hormone therapy, high resolution anoscopy, treatment of opioid use disorder, as well as medical education. Above all else, he is passionate about the equitable delivery of healthcare to LGBTQ people of color.
Dr. Hazra is currently working with Indian nonprofit Sangath to develop a trans-affirmative medical curriculum for Indian medical schools. Medical education in India traditionally operates within the gender binary and has not worked to include sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) competencies. This project, TransCare:MedEd, is funded by the Provost’s Global Faculty Awards and builds on a prior successful collaboration with UChicago incorporating disability competencies into the Indian medical curriculum.
With collaborators in Wuhan and Guangzhou, China, Dr. Hazra is also PI of an HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) demonstration project aimed to develop and pilot a theory-informed, tailored mobile phone intervention to increase engagement in PrEP education and initiation among Chinese gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.
When not at the hospital or clinic, Anu can be found watching the latest documentaries on Netflix or hanging out by Lake Michigan with his husband, Neeral, and their dog, Holden.
Q&A:
Q: Why is international collaboration important in your field of study?
A: The fields of sexual health and health education are ripe with opportunities for international collaboration. Understanding human sexuality and behavior through an array of perspectives is critical to better provide comprehensive, inclusive care to all people.
Q: How has your work with international partners been beneficial to you and your career?
A: As a queer South Asian American, working with Sangath on TransCare:MedEd has been a powerful experience. Not only have I been able to utilize my clinical and research experience to aid the study, but I am simultaneously learning so much about the queer and trans experience in India. I only hope to continue this rich working relationship with my collaborators, expanding this project and moving to new ventures
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