HIV Training

The Sutter Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency historically has been a national leader in training family doctors to provide HIV care. Since 2012, in addition to the standard HIV curriculum for all residents, interested rising 2nd year residents may apply to pursue a 2-year Area of Concentration (AoC) in HIV. The HIV AoC goal is to inspire residents to continue to provide care for HIV positive populations as an integral part of their practice beyond graduation. Selection preference is given to those planning to practice HIV family medicine in the Unites States after graduation (preferably northern California.)

Adapted by @MonicaHahnMD from NACHC

The following Learning Objectives can be achieved and/or demonstrated with this Area of Concentration:

1. Describe rational and specific actions for HIV prevention, (i.e. risk assessments, PrEP, PEP, treatment as prevention, harm reduction, & safe injection), utilizing a patient-centered approach informed by cultural humility (Patient Care 3: Health Promotion and Wellness).
2. Be able to appropriately counsel patients on HIV diagnosis (i.e. disclosure), treatment adherence, and transmission prevention, while considering the role of historical trauma, stigma, and various forms of oppression in the lives of PLWH (Interpersonal and Communication Skills 1: Patient and Family Centered Communication).
3. List recommended ART regimens in the latest DHHS ARV therapy guidelines & discuss prevention & management of adverse ARV therapy side effects, & key interactions with ARV medication (PI’s & NNRTI’s), and other commonly used medications ( Patient Care 2: Care of Patients with Chronic Illness).
4. Discuss primary care issues relevant for PLWH, including common co-morbidities, indicated healthcare maintenance (including immunizations), & relevant screenings, as well as the health systems & population health impact of HIV treatment & care provision (Patient Care 2: Care of Patients with Chronic Illness, Patient Care 3: Health Promotion and Wellness).
5. Discuss when to perform resistance testing, how to interpret the most common genotypic mutations and their impact on treatment regimens (Patient Care 2: Care of Patients with Chronic Illness).

Sonoma County has had a long history of HIV activism: in 1989, one of our current patients (and others in ACT-UP) threw fake blood at the County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors and took over their chambers.

Resident expectations for this AoC include:

• Manage a panel of ~20 HIV+ continuity patients.​
• Complete 30 to 45 hours of HIV-related CME prior to graduation
  • ​Attend UCSF Conference: Medical Management of HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis
  • Self-paced online courses: National HIV Curriculum
  • Attend BANCCC AIDS ETC's Annual HIV/AIDS Review Conference
• Become an AAHIVM Credentialed Specialist within 6-months of graduation.
• Practice HIV family medicine in the United States after graduation.