Julia Cornett, MD, is an infectious disease specialist at Zufall Health who provides care for people living with or at risk of HIV. She focuses on creating a welcoming environment where all patients feel comfortable seeking prevention and treatment.

Cornett is encouraged by recent medical advances that extend the life expectancy of people with HIV and reduce transmission, but she knows these treatments are not reaching everyone who could benefit. For patients who earn low incomes and are un- or under-insured—like many at Zufall—access to HIV services can be difficult. Stigma associated with the virus further discourages people from getting tested, taking medications consistently, and keeping medical appointments. Together, these factors compound barriers to care and create serious health risks, as Cornett previously saw while treating patients with advanced HIV complications in hospitals throughout the U.S.

“Many lacked the consistent medical, behavioral health, and case management support they needed to manage their health. Without a safety-net provider like Zufall, these patients often ended up hospitalized with HIV-related complications that could have been prevented.”

That’s why Cornett joined Zufall in 2023. She believes quality preventive HIV care and treatment should be available to everyone living with or at risk of HIV, regardless of income or insurance. Now seeing patients at the Hackettstown, Somerville, and West Orange sites, she provides medical care and coordinates with Zufall’s HIV Services team to address social needs.

At Zufall, Cornett says the difference is clear. She applauds the health system’s comprehensive support—from outreach to case management, behavioral health, dental, and vision services—which keeps people engaged in care. This coordinated approach helps patients stay healthy over time rather than seeking help when seriously ill.

The key, she’s found, is building trust—and those relationships are meaningful for both the patient and provider.

“By consistently showing that I care, I build trust and strengthen the doctor–patient relationship over time. Throughout my career, the HIV patients I’ve gotten to know well have made me feel the most appreciated as a doctor.”

Cornett holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Yale University and completed her Doctor of Medicine degree, residency in internal medicine, and fellowship in infectious diseases at Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She is board-certified in both internal medicine and infectious diseases by the American Board of Internal Medicine.