Ma Somsouk, MD

Biography

1. Gastrointestinal tract as a site of HIV pathogenesis and persistence. Dr. Somsouk's research program examines the impact of HIV in the gut, answering questions related to viral persistence, immune activation, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and microbial dysbiosis and their relationship with systemic inflammation, aging, and cancer using observational studies and interventional trials. Stool, gut mucosal samples, and blood are routinely collected from subjects.
2. Prevention of colorectal cancer. Dr. Somsouk's research program is supported by the CDC, in collaboration with the SF Department of Public Health, to examine how a centralized patient panel management system could improve uptake of colorectal cancer screening and improve other health behaviors and conditions in the safety-net. In addition to interventional cohort studies, retrospective and administrative methods and mathematical simulation models are employed to identify barriers and best practices for colorectal cancer screening / surveillance. Interests as follow: HIV, persistence, immune activation, GALT, microbial translocation, microbiome, fecal transplant, colorectal cancer screening, mHealth, Digital Health