Research
Dr. Koan’s research interests include HIV medicine, infectious diseases, women’s health, menopause-related symptoms, and strategies to improve quality of life among people living with HIV. Her work supports clinical studies designed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and acceptability of interventions that address symptoms and health outcomes that may be underrepresented in traditional HIV research.
As Primary Investigator at TLI for ACTG A5424, Menopausal Hormone Therapy for Women Living with HIV (HoT), Dr. Koan helps lead local implementation of a multicenter AIDS Clinical Trials Group study evaluating menopausal hormone therapy for women living with HIV who are in the late menopausal transition or early postmenopause and experiencing moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes or night sweats.
Through this study, Dr. Koan and the TLI research team contribute to a national effort to better understand and address menopause-related quality-of-life concerns among women living with HIV. The trial’s focus on symptom diaries, HIV viral suppression, safety monitoring, and patient-centered outcomes reflects the importance of rigorous clinical research in improving care for aging populations affected by HIV.
Biography
Caroline Koan, MD, is a physician-scientist and infectious disease specialist affiliated with The Lundquist Institute. She is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine. Dr. Koan earned her medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine in 2016 and brings clinical expertise in caring for adults with infectious diseases, including people living with HIV.
Dr. Koan also serves as Clinical Director of the Tom Kay Clinic at Long Beach Comprehensive Health Care Center, part of Los Angeles County Department of Health Services’ Positive Care/HIV network. In this role, she provides primary care for people living with HIV as well as outpatient general infectious diseases consultation.
In her role at TLI, Dr. Koan contributes to clinical research that advances evidence-based care for populations affected by HIV and related health conditions. Her profile reflects a blend of patient-centered clinical practice, research engagement, and leadership in multicenter clinical trial implementation.
Publications
PubMed
COVID-19 Intensive Care Survivors: Extubation to Discharge in Proceedings of UCLA Health