IDCRC Investigator Profile: Julie C. Dombrowski, MD, MPH

Julie Dombrowski, MD, MPH, is a professor of medicine at the University of Washington, Director of HIV Treatment Initiatives in the Public Health – Seattle & King County HIV/STI/HCV Program, and Co-Director of the UW/Fred Hutch CFAR (Centers for AIDS Research). Her research and public health work focuses on improving HIV & STI services in the United States.

How long have you worked with a VTEU?

I joined the University of Washington (UW) Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit (VTEU) in 2021. Prior to the incorporation of STI clinical trials into the VTEU portfolio, I worked with the Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinical Trials Group.

Can you share more about a current IDCRC study you're working on?

Christine Khosropour, PhD, MPH, and I are protocol co-chairs for a study of short-course doxycycline (three days versus seven days) for the treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis infections. The trial involves seven sites associated with three VTEUs (Emory, University of Rochester, and UW) in Kenya and the United States. We have an outstanding team working on this study! I’m grateful to investigators and study personnel at all sites and colleagues from NIH, FHI 360, Emmes, and the IDCRC.

Learn more about the study here.

Of these trials, what has been the most impactful or highlight of the work?

The results of the Doxy Short Course study will directly inform clinical practice and future treatment guidelines. Having been involved in two previous clinical trials that led to more doxycycline use [a study of azithromycin vs. doxycycline for the treatment of rectal chlamydia and doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis for STI prevention (DoxyPEP)], I am hopeful this one may lead to less antibiotic use!

What is a strength or example of the importance of the IDCRC?

The depth and breadth of clinical trials expertise in the IDCRC make it possible to conduct studies that wouldn’t be feasible without the network. The built-in relationships between the institutions and investigators involved in the IDCRC are invaluable for launching a clinical trial. I particularly appreciate the IDCRC’s dedication to ensuring opportunities for early-stage investigators. Through the Doxy Short Course study, I was fortunate to meet Valeria Cantos, MD, at Emory, who has become a valued colleague and collaborator.

What do you like to do outside of the VTEU?

My work outside the VTEU focuses on HIV/STI research that is closely connected to public health practice and mentoring trainees and early-stage faculty. Much of my current research is focused on low-barrier care models for people with HIV, which are designed to engage people with complex barriers to treatment, such as homelessness, substance use, and serious mental illness. I lead the UW STD/AIDS T32 training grant and co-lead the UW/Fred Hutch CFAR. The most rewarding parts of my job are mentoring and being a primary care provider for people with HIV.

Outside of work, I love gardening, hiking, reading novels, and spending time with my husband and two kids.