Need for More HIV ‐Trained Pharmacists due to Unmet Needs and Expanding Opportunities: An Opinion of the HIV Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.2 million people are living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States, and an estimated 32 000 new HIV infections are reported each year. While pharmacists and pharmacies play major roles in ending the HIV epidemic, harnessing their full potential will require substantial investment in training qualified pharmacy personnel who can provide HIV prevention and treatment services encompassing comprehensive, culturally sensitive care. The purpose of this white paper is to review critical challenges facing the profession of pharmacy that hinder comprehensive HIV care, including the paucity of residency-trained HIV pharmacists due to a lack of HIV-focused post-graduate training programs, inconsistencies in pharmacy curricula, and insufficient or variable reimbursement for pharmacist services. By proposing targeted solutions across pharmacy education, training, research, and reimbursement, we seek to cultivate a robust, well-trained pharmacy workforce who can effectively provide HIV prevention and treatment services.
DOI: 10.1002/jac5.70160
Institutions: Midwestern University, Central DuPage Hospital, Auburn University, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, East Tennessee State University, Nova Southeastern University, Memorial Healthcare System, University of North Texas, University of North Texas Health Science Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Indiana University Health, University of Toledo, Chase Brexton Health Care, University of Illinois Chicago, University of South Florida
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Funder: University of Pittsburgh
OpenAlex ID: W7119469453