Education and Research > Diploma in HIV Medicine

Diploma in HIV Medicine

Diploma in HIV Medicine run by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries London

The last 20 years has seen significant developments in our understanding of HIV and in the management of this disease. There is a rapidly developing epidemic in the developing world and treatment is becoming increasingly complex in the developed world. In response to a perceived need from clinicians, and in consultation with BHIVA and BASHH, the Society has instituted a Diploma in HIV Medicine. It is also recognised that a significant number of HIV Medicine practitioners come from a non-genitourinary medicine background and care has been taken to design both the syllabus and examination to reflect only core knowledge in specialist areas that all HIV physicians should be able to demonstrate.

The examination is designed for registered medical practitioners who have regular clinical contact with HIV patients. This will include practitioners working in gastroenterology, genitourinary medicine, infectious diseases, thoracic medicine etc.

The syllabus covers all aspects of HIV in detail and is intended to demonstrate a sound level of experience and competence for those at the culmination of their Specialist Registrar training who wish to specialise in HIV medicine.

To avoid disappointment, candidates are advised to apply for the examination well in advance of the closing date for entries. The closing date is the final date that a completed application can be considered for entry to the examination but there is no guarantee that places will still be available at this date.

Please note that supporting evidence must be submitted with application forms. This should be a letter from an applicant's head of department confirming the applicant's appointment and relevant experience.
 

Examination documentation
Guide to the Diploma in HIV Medicine (incorporating the Regulations and Curriculum)
Policy for Special Examination Arrangements
Standard Setting Procedures for Diploma Examinations

Update (September 2021)
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, we had to cancel the diet of the Diploma that was originally planned for September 2020, and then delayed the diet originally planned for February 2021 until July 2021. The diet for November 2021 will go ahead as planned - this will be with a socially-distanced OSCE exam, with a reduced number of examiners, actors and candidates in the examination hall at any one time.

The next diet of the exam after November 2021 would normally be in the following February, but this would now leave us too short a time to prepare a new examination; this diet will thus be delayed and the BO5 is now scheduled to take place on Monday 23 May 2022 with the OSCE taking place on Tuesday 28 June 2022.

We hope that we will be able to return to regular twice yearly examinations after that.


Related links
Visit The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries website

Latest event

Joint BASHH/BHIVA Diploma in HIV Medicine Revision Course 2023
Thursday 10th August 2023
More information