INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND HIV CARE

 

What is an "Infectious Disease Specialist"?

 

An infectious disease (ID) specialist is a doctor of internal medicine (or, in some cases, pediatrics) who is qualified as an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. After seven or more years of medical school and postgraduate training, ID specialists complete two to three years of additional training in infectious diseases.

 

ID specialists have expertise in infections of the sinuses, heart, brain, lungs, urinary tract, bowel, bones and pelvic organs. Their extensive training focuses on all kinds of infections, including those caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Many ID physicians specialize in treating patients with infections due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the cause of AIDS.

 

Along with their specialized knowledge comes a particular insight into the use of antibiotics and their potential adverse effects. ID specialists also have additional training in immunology (how the body fights infection), epidemiology (how infections spread) and infection control.

 

What an infectious disease specialist does

 

The role of an infectious disease specialist is to review a patient's medical data, including records, X-rays and laboratory reports. They may perform a physical examination, depending on the type of problem. They also counsel healthy people who plan to travel to countries where there is an increased risk of infection.

 

Laboratory studies are often necessary and may include blood studies and cultures of wounds or body fluids. They may order blood serum studies for antibodies indicating the presence of unusual or uncommon diseases. These studies may help explain the results of studies that a general internist may already have done.

 

Work in the infectious disease specialty is limited to diagnosis and medical treatment. Infectious diseases specialists do not perform surgery.

 

When you need an infectious disease specialist

 

Not everyone who has an infectious disease needs an infectious disease specialist. Your general internist can take care of most infections, but sometimes specialized expertise is needed to either diagnose or manage specific infectious diseases.

 

When a fever raises the suspicion that you may have an infection, when an infection is potentially serious, or when problems occur with treatment, it may be necessary to consult an infectious diseases specialist. ID specialists can provide special insight into tests that will be helpful in diagnosing and understanding the infection and preventing recurrent infections. They can often help determine what treatment you need, if any, and whether you should receive antibiotics. You may not require any treatment, but if you do, they may confer with your personal physician about which diagnostic testing and forms of treatment are best suited to your needs.

 

If you are hospitalized for an infection or acquire an infection while hospitalized, ID specialists will follow and help direct your hospital care. In some cases, they may continue to see you after you go home from the hospital.

 

How infectious disease specialists work with other physicians

 

Although infectious diseases specialists sometimes serve as primary care physicians, in most cases you will still need your regular doctor. Usually you will be asked to return to the ID specialist for a follow-up visit to review test results and to be sure that your infection has been eliminated. ID specialists may wish to follow up with you until we feel confident that the infection will not recur. You will resume care with your regular physician when your condition has stabilized or is cured.

 

HIV Care and our HIV Healthcare Team

 

The Center for Disease Control (CDC), recommends that people who are HIV positive be treated by HIV specialists. The complexity of the disease necessitates the care of a doctor who is interested in and devoted to HIV care. HIV is a complex disease that requires specially trained physicians to deliver the complex care necessary for a long and healthy life. The rapidly changing and complicated drug regimens, with their multitude of side effects and long-term complications, make treating HIV disease a challenge. There are distinct benefits to getting your HIV care from an HIV specialist. Experts feel that these benefits will greatly improve the quality of life and the long-term prognosis of HIV positive patients.

 

Both Dr. Garcia are primary care providers certified by the American Boards of Infectious Diseases. They have taken care of hundreds of HIV patients over the past 15 years, and have extensive experience recognizing early symptoms, addressing medical complications, and developing individualized care plans and new treatment regimens for HIV patients. As an HIV specialists, Dr. Garcia remains current with the rapid advances of HIV science, cutting edge treatment, and newly available therapy through attending HIV Care related workshops and seminars.

 

Dr. Garcia and his staff understand both the physical and psychological impact of HIV. Understanding that those who care for HIV infected people need to be able to communicate with their patients and understand the special needs that HIV presents, this healthcare team celebrates patient diversity and recognizes their unique health needs. Dr. Garcia and his qualified staff understand that patient communication is essential in the treatment and outcome of HIV care.  In our mission to treat HIV patients, our main goal is to provide and promote health in the most caring and compassionate environment possible thereby improving the quality of life for patients living with HIV.

 

Dr. Garcia is a member of the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM). He provides medical care and supports the South Florida Ryan White Program and Care Resource in its care and treatment of people with AIDS and HIV.