How Do I Become an HIV Specialist?

The requirements for becoming a specialist in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vary slightly from place to place, but in general, the designation is only open to medical doctors who have gained sufficient expertise in diagnosing and treating the virus to pass an exam or series of exams. Other requirements typically include medical specialization, years of active practice, and overall experience working with HIV patients and lab scans. In most cases, this certification isn’t required to practice HIV-related medicine. However, many doctors find that it boosts their credibility, and it may also make you more competitive for high-profile or research-related jobs. The credential may also help you conduct and share research more effectively with others.

Getting a General Understanding of the Job

In general, an HIV specialist is a doctor who devotes the majority of his or her time to researching or treating the virus. The standard of care and best practices for treating infected patients have evolved dramatically in recent years, and will continue to do so as practitioners gain a better understanding of how the virus works. In this regard, most aspects of medical practice are “in flux,” but HIV often occupies a special place near the top of most research priorities due to the global demand for expertise. This virus is frequently regarded as a global health threat, and developing better treatments in the hopes of one day discovering a cure is frequently regarded as critical research.

In this field, specialists typically earn their titles through a combination of experience and additional study. You should check the specifics in your jurisdiction, but in general, you’ll need to get involved in treating HIV-positive patients first; then, you’ll need to complete HIV-related continuing medical education (CME), continuing education units (CEU), or continuing education (CU) courses; and, finally, you’ll need to pass an exam testing your knowledge of the virus and how to treat it.

Licensing and Credentialing Requirements

Obtaining a medical degree and obtaining a license to practice medicine in the jurisdiction where you want to be certified as a specialist is usually the first step. This is a difficult task that usually necessitates at least six years of post-secondary education as well as numerous competency and proficiency exams.

You may also be required to treat a certain number of patients before applying, depending on where you live. Doctors who have treated fewer than the required number of HIV patients can still apply to become HIV specialists, but they will almost certainly be admitted on a probationary basis and assigned to an experienced specialist for peer reviews and practice updates for a period of time. This is done in order to establish a mentoring relationship between experienced doctors and doctors who are less familiar with HIV.

Advanced Education and Training

Another thing you’ll almost certainly be required to do is complete advanced training or education in HIV treatment. If you earn at least 30 credits in HIV-related Category 1 CME/CEU/CU courses within two years of applying to become an HIV specialist, you may be able to satisfy this requirement. This requirement may also be met through HIV fellowships, training, or attendance at HIV lectures. These alternatives must be listed in detail and attached to the application, and they may not be available everywhere. The only way to be sure is to speak with someone at your local board office or certification panel.

Testing

Following the submission of your application, the governing body that will award the credential will most likely require you to take an exam that will assess your practical knowledge of the virus, its treatments, and best practices for care and future research. Depending on where you live, you may be able to take the test online or through a written exam. Regulatory bodies typically allow physicians taking the exam to prepare for the exam using any reference book, classes, or websites, and there are many study materials to choose from; in most cases, you’ll want to schedule your test far enough in the future that you have time to research and take advantage of these study options.

Benefits to Your Career

There are a variety of reasons why having the credential of HIV specialist may be beneficial to you. Patients often take comfort in knowing that their primary care provider, for example, has gone above and beyond in her understanding of HIV treatment. Doctors who earn this distinction are usually given access to a network of information and support that general practitioners do not always have.