To become a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) specialist, a candidate usually must fulfill certain prerequisites based on her experience and education and receive a credential in HIV care from an external regulatory body of medicine in the country where she practices. HIV specialists are physicians with medical practices that include the treatment of HIV. These doctors earn the HIV specialist credential by treating a certain volume of patients with HIV; completing HIV-related continuing medical education (CME), continuing education units (CEU), or continuing education (CU) courses; and passing a multiple-choice exam testing their knowledge of HIV care.
Petitioners for the HIV specialist credential must have a valid medical license in the state, region, or country where they practice. Also, the applicant may be required to have treated a certain number of patients prior to applying. Doctors who have treated less than the prescribed volume of HIV patients may still apply to become an HIV specialist, but they will likely be admitted on a probationary basis and assigned to an experienced specialist for peer reviews and practice updates for a certain period of time. This is done to form a mentoring relationship between experienced doctors and doctors who have treated a lower volume of HIV patients.
Advanced training or education related to the treatment of HIV is another requirement that a doctor must fulfill to become an HIV specialist. This may be satisfied if the applicant has earned at least 30 credits in HIV-related Category 1 CME/CEU/CU courses within two years of applying to become an HIV specialist. Alternatively, a physician may satisfy this requirement with HIV fellowships, training, or attendance of HIV lectures. These substitutes must be summarized in detail and included with the application.
If the application to become an HIV specialist is approved, the governing body awarding the credential may test a petitioner's knowledge of the latest HIV treatments and the quality of her education and training with a multiple choice exam. Applicants may have the choice of taking the test online or by written exam. The regulatory bodies may allow physicians taking the exam to use any reference book, classes, or websites to prepare for the exam. The exam itself typically must be taken independently of any outside sources however. Individuals found guilty of cheating on these exams may have to re-take the test, have their HIV specialist credential revoked, or lose their eligibility to become an HIV specialist.
Obtaining the credential of HIV specialist provides patients with comfort in the knowledge that their primary care provider has taken extra steps in her understanding of HIV treatment. Doctors who achieve this designation are granted access to a network of information and support. Knowing the necessary requirements ensures a successful application process.
