An HIV specialist is a licensed doctor who meets the eligibility requirements of the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM) to provide care for HIV infected patients.
What is an HIV Specialist?
A typical HIV specialist will be a practicing physician with a background in clinical, internal or family medicine. On a daily basis, they provide comprehensive primary health care services to patients with HIV. Their entire work focus is the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HIV. Some HIV specialists work for community and government programs. Their time is spent conducting on-site HIV tests and supporting outreach efforts through directly engaging patients and the public. Senior HIV specialists will be responsible for clinical services, medical administration and program development. They chair committees, ensure compliance with regulations and develop and review policies and procedures. They also train other health care providers and collaborate with other organizations to offer HIV care services.
The American Academy of HIV Medicine
The American Academy of HIV Medicine is the premier organization that advocates for HIV-infected patients and providers through delivering practice standards, continuing medical opportunities and the only officially recognized credential for HIV specialists. First, the doctor must have the appropriate experience through having provided two years of care to at least 20 HIV infected patients. Second, the doctor must have the appropriate education, meaning that they must maintain a current state MD or DO medical license. They must have either completed a fellowship within the last two years or earned 30 credits of HIV related coursework. HIV specialists are required to take 30 continuing medical education (CME) credits every two years. Third, the doctor must have external validation, such as through passing an AAHIVM’s HIV exam.
The AAHIVM Exam to Become an HIV Specialist
There are actually three exams offered to doctors who wish to specialize in HIV care: HIV Specialist, Expert and Pharmacist. The first exam, HIV Specialist (AAHIVS), is the standard certification for doctors who wish to become a primary care doctor for HIV infected patients. The eligibility requirements for the exam are listed above, but doctors may substitute a variety of educational activities for the continuing education credits. A succinct summary of extracurricular educational activities will expedite the application process. AAHIVM exams are available online or through couriered paper exams. Every year, the exam is updated to add medical science advances and remove discredited materials. The exam content is developed and reviewed by rotating teams of active HIV experts.
Suggested Coursework
In order to prepare for the AAHIVM exam, medical students should obtain a certificate from an accredited medical college or at least study applicable courses that will help them excel in their future position. Suggested courses will cover clinical pharmacology and pathophysiological basics for HIV infected patients. Students should also take classes that teach about HIV-based health assessment tools and diagnostic tests. Classes on prevention, health promotion and proper care and management of patients with HIV are a must. It may help to take classes on associated comorbidities and statistical research and reasoning.
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An HIV specialist is a licensed doctor who has the appropriate education, experience and advanced training. As negative social norms change about HIV, there is a growing demand for qualified HIV specialists.