RESUME
In 1984 David Polson was amongst the first 400 men diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Australia
Under the care of the late Professor David Cooper, David undertook 28 HIV drug trials all of which had significant and impactful side effects.
David’s ability to persevere through the drug trials is a testament to his innate resilience and his dedication to helping medical science find a treatment or cure. David effectively put his body on the line, he felt that this was his way of contributing; he has also taken part in many other adjunct studies…such as “Aging with HIV”
After the death of his HIV Doctor and friend Professor David Cooper, David decided to become an HIV advocate/educator focussing on educating people on new medications, testing and helping reduce the stigma still present for people with HIV/AIDS.
He retired from working life in 1996 due to failing health but with the advent of triple therapy his health has been partially restored.
Left with a legacy of complex health issues, David now continues his work
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Educating about testing,
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Confronting stigma
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Promoting a healthy and positive life while living with HIV.
credits
Sydney University: Regular lecturer for over 14 years
NSW University: Guest lecturer
Australian Centre for Independent Journalism, University of Technology: filmed interview
Westmead Hospital: Regular lecturer from 2004
St Vincent’s Hospital: Keynote speaker World AIDS Day 2009, regular speaker to Doctors, nursing and ancillary staff
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital: Keynote speaker World AIDS Day 2009/2010/2011.
Regular guest lecturer during 2011 and 2012
Canterbury Hospital: Keynote speaker World AIDS Week 2012
Janssen-Cilag pharmaceutical company: Key note speaker for launch of “Intelence” HIV drug
Caritas Rehabilitation Centre: Keynote speaker World AIDS Day 2011
Presbyterian Aged Care Home: Keynote speaker for nursing staff World AIDS week 2012
NSW Public schools: HIV educational t to years 11 and 12 students
ABC Lateline program 2012: interviewed re: living with HIV personal story
ABC Television: Numerous interviews for news programs on HIV
Television China: 2011 HIV World AIDS Day
The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation: Phoenix Program. Motivational talk to people undertaking this program helping them to return to the workforce
Appeared in many Fund raising brochures latest brochure 2018
Keynote speaker 2018 Fundraiser
ACON: Genesis Program. Facilitator/Motivator to men and women newly diagnosed with HIV
National AIDS Trust of Australia:
National HIV campaign 2009/2010/2011
Keynote speaker AIDS Trust fund raising dinner 2012
Features on the AIDS Trust Website
Fairfax Radio Media: Interviewed 4BC 2012
Sydney Morning Herald interview “HIV no longer means certain death”
Featured in documentary film for the Sydney Queer Film Festival
SBS Television
Featured in documentary revisiting closed Ward 17 South (HIV/AIDS ward during the height of the epidemic)
for 30 year anniversary of Mardi Gras
St Vincent’s Hospital documentary on St Vincent’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and Ward 17 South
Featured in tribute to Professor David Cooper video broadcast on SBS television
Star Observer
Tribute interview for Professor David Cooper
NSW University The Kirby Institute: Annual report
Featured as a long term survivor
Ambassador for the HIV Future Fund – featured on campaign brochures and in the 35 year commemorative book on the Curran Foundation
Speaker at Fund raising events
Contributing writer to magazines such as Talk About, Positive Life and regular contributor to Letters to The Editor -
The Star Observer and the Sydney Morning Herald