Clinician Scholars Program

Overview

The Clinician Scholars Program is designed for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, advanced practice nurses, and pharmacists interested in expanding their capacity to provide HIV/AIDS care in the Midwest. The program aims to increase the number of clinicians who provide care to underserved or disproportionately affected populations.

The Midwest AETC network offers Scholars access to the latest information, resources, and training opportunities on HIV/AIDS, guided by expert faculty. Participants can expect to build skills and knowledge through:

• Mentorship: Experts in HIV/AIDS care guide participants throughout the program.
• Clinical Consultation: Opportunities to consult with local and regional experts experienced in diagnosing and managing HIV/AIDS care.
• Networking Opportunities: Valuable interactions with Midwest AETC faculty, local and regional HIV/AIDS care providers, and fellow Scholars.
• Clinical Interaction: Participants will observe the care of patients with HIV, engage in simulated patient care scenarios, and respond to case presentations.

Activities

Scholars receive twelve months of structured, participant-centered training on HIV/AIDS diagnosis, treatment, medical management and prevention of HIV infection. The program includes:

• A minimum of 12 hours of clinical practicum in HIV care.
• A minimum of 40 hours of skill building training, including but not limited to a two-day immersion institute at the start of the program, monthly collaborative learning sessions, case-based discussions, distance learning offerings, face-to-face meetings or trainings, and clinical consultations.

Benefits

Participation in the Clinician Scholars Program has enabled and strengthened growth in professional confidence and competence in HIV clinical care.

Physician, physician assistant and nurse practitioner Scholars have the advantage of fulfilling the Education requirement to be an eligible candidate to sit for the AAHIVS credentialing exam. More details can be found on the AAHIVM Website.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted annually in late Spring or early Summer. Applications are due annually by July 15.

The Clinician Scholars Program is supported by federal funding and its availability is contingent on continued funding. We will commit to notifying applicants about any funding changes that may impact this program as soon as possible.

For more information about the MATEC Clinician Scholars Program or questions about the application process, please contact matec@uic.edu

Publications

Boehler M, Schechtman B, Rivero R, et al. Developing the HIV Workforce: The MATEC Clinician Scholars Program. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2016;27(3):246-260. doi:10.1016/j.jana.2015.06.006

Carlberg-Racich S, Rivero R, Wagner CMJ, et al. Long-Term Impacts on Clinical Practice Along the HIV Care Continuum: Addressing Workforce Gaps Through a Clinician Scholars Program. AIDS Educ Prev. 2024;36(3):168-181. doi:10.1521/aeap.2024.36.3.168

Carlberg-Racich S, Wagner CMJ, Alabduljabbar SA, et al. Professional Identity Formation in HIV Care: Development of Clinician Scholars in a Longitudinal, Mentored Training Program. J Contin Educ Health Prof. 2018;38(3):158-164. doi:10.1097/CEH.0000000000000214

Wagner CMJ, Carlberg-Racich S, Linsk NL, et al. Impacts of Longitudinal Mentorship to Strengthen the HIV Workforce: Qualitative Evidence of Changes in Clinicians' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2017;28(6):938-952. doi:10.1016/j.jana.2017.06.013