Author information
1 Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
2 Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston Massachusetts.
3 Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
4 Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
Abstract
Infectious diseases (ID) physicians are increasingly responsible for the management of infectious consequences of substance use disorders (SUD). While we are often consulted for recommendations regarding diagnosis and treatment of the infectious disease, it is clear that successful management of these infections requires a holistic approach, including acknowledgement and treatment of the underlying SUD. As we have learned through years of treating HIV and hepatitis C virus infections, ID physicians have unique expertise in addressing both the infection and the complex biopsychosocial factors that underpin the infection. Many ID physicians have incorporated management of addiction as part of their scope of practice and here we seek to give a name and define the role of these ID/addiction dual specialists. We define the potential role of ID/addiction physicians in clinical care, health administration, and research as well as provide recommendations to bolster the supply and reach of this burgeoning subspecialty.