Benjamin J. Eckhardt, MD

I am Dr. Benjamin Eckhardt, an Infectious Diseases physician at NYU Langone Health, and my work is focused on reducing the infectious disease-related harm associated with substance use disorder. Specifically, I concentrate on improving the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases like HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV), and severe bacterial infections such as endocarditis and osteomyelitis. My goal is to enhance care delivery for individuals affected by substance use disorder by developing strategies that address both their infectious disease needs and the broader challenges they face in accessing healthcare.

A significant area of my work is HCV elimination, a broader, global public health goal. My research also highlights the importance of accessible care for people who inject drugs. One study I conducted examined accessible HCV care versus traditional care for people who inject drugs. Results showed that accessible care, such as on-site, low-threshold services, significantly reduced the frequency of injection drug use. This underscores the importance of providing integrated, flexible healthcare services for this high-risk group, addressing both their infectious disease and substance use treatment needs.

Additionally, I have explored the growing concern of severe bacterial infections among people who inject drugs particularly in the context of unsafe injection practices. Through qualitative studies and hospital data, we identified a high rate of risky behaviors, such as syringe reuse and inadequate hygiene, which significantly contribute to infections like endocarditis. These findings emphasize the need for targeted harm reduction strategies and improved infection prevention education for PWID to reduce the burden of severe bacterial infections and improve health outcomes.

Through my research, I aim to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes, reduce harm and disparities, and continue to support innovative solutions to the intersecting challenges of substance use disorders and infectious diseases.