Southwest Center is proud to announce that four of our healthcare professionals – Britt Lane, MSN, APRN, AGACNP-BC, AAHIVS, Leanne Muniz, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, AAHIVS, Raven Brown, MSN, FNP-C, AAHIVS, and Taylor Piontek MSN, APRN, FNP-C, AAHIVS – have received their credentials as an HIV Specialist™, which are professionally designated by the letters “AAHIVS” from the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM). The credential as an HIV Specialist™ is renewed every three years and is valid beginning January 1, 2024, and expiring on December 31, 2026.
AAHIVM HIV Specialists™ are experienced medical professionals who pass a rigorous, psychometrically sound exam on all aspects of HIV medical care. This credential is the first and only one offered domestically and internationally to nurse practitioners, physicians, physician assistants, and pharmacists specializing in advanced-level HIV care.
"We are thrilled to have four Nurse Practitioners recognized as HIV Specialists™, and a fifth is on the way," said Casey Simon, Senior Director of Healthcare Operations. "This credential is a reflection of our commitment to our community and those living with HIV. Dedicated to providing excellence in HIV care and prevention, I will always support our providers in their desire to grow their knowledge and be given appropriate space to contribute fully to their roles in the healthcare partnership."
As people living with HIV are increasingly affected by age-related diseases, this achievement is a testament to Southwest Center’s commitment to providing quality care to patients living with HIV. “Obtaining the AAHIVS credential was important for me to instill confidence in patients seeking HIV care,” said Taylor Piontek, Director of Clinical Services. “It allowed me to further my knowledge about HIV so that I can provide current, evidence-based care to my patients.”
“It was important for me to become an HIV Specialist™ to provide patients with up-to-date knowledge about the latest treatments, medications, and management strategies,” said Raven Brown, Family Nurse Practitioner. “Having this expertise leads to more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatment plans, improved monitoring of the disease progression, better handling of complications, and increased support for patients navigating the physical, emotional, and social aspects of living with HIV/AIDS.”
Southwest Center is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to patients living with HIV. Our Nurse Practitioners have demonstrated their expertise in HIV care by meeting the requirements for licensure, experience, and education set forth by the AAHIVM. They are an integral part of our team, and we are proud to have them recognized as leaders in HIV care.
For more information on AAHIVM’s credentialing program, visit www.aahivm.org or contact the AAHIVM Credentialing Department at 202-659-0699.
For more information about Southwest Center, please visit swcenter.org.
About the Southwest Center: The Southwest Center is Arizona’s home for affordable, quality, and culturally responsive healthcare for all – especially people of color, LGBTQIA2S+ and Queer individuals, and those affected by HIV – building upon our 33-year history of HIV prevention and care. The Southwest Center offers a wide array of services to help clients reach and maintain positive health outcomes, including primary care; sexual and reproductive healthcare; HIV/STI testing, treatment, and prevention; gender-affirming healthcare and hormone replacement; mental health; and so much more. Visit swcenter.org or see us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information. To schedule interviews, contact Iris Avila at iavila@swcenter.org