Over 80 medical case managers attend HIV Medical Update

Philadelphia – In January over 80 medical case managers (MCMs) and supervisors attended the HIV Medical Update seminar that was coordinated by the MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center, of the Health Federation of Philadelphia (HFP) in collaboration with AIDS Activities Coordination Office (AACO). Experts from the Mid-Atlantic region gave presentations that provided critical information about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) within the various populations that MCMs support.

MCMs work with clients who are HIV positive. They guide clients through the process of care after diagnosis and help them navigate the medical system, including necessary appointments and medication.

“Medical case managers have a one on one relationship with their clients and provide front-line services such as assistance with housing, vouchers and medical appointments,” said Tiania Warner, a HFP training specialist. “They are very involved in what goes on in the lives of their clients.”

The HIV Medical Update helps MCMs stay abreast of the newest information in HIV treatment and care. Updates might include a presentation about the latest research from national and international conferences where current trends are presented, new research findings or updates on medication.

January’s training seminar covered topics including HIV and aging, mental health and HIV, pregnancy management for women with HIV and HPV screenings.

Presenters included Margaret Hoffman-Terry (MD, FACP, AAHIVS), clinical associate professor of medicine at Penn State University College of Medicine; Theo Hodge (MD), internal medicine and infectious diseases specialist with Capital Medical Associates in Washington, D.C.; Beth Rossenwasser (PhD), president of the Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association; and Erika Aaron (MSN, CRNP), PrEP Counselor for AACO, Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

HFP is a regional partner office of the MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center and is responsible for providing HIV training in Eastern Pennsylvania. In addition to the bi-annual HIV Case Manager seminar, HFP and AACO also coordinate a mandatory core training series of six sessions for new MCMs and morning seminars throughout the year.

“Many of our clients need support and are challenged with navigating the system and how to manage their HIV care,” said Warner. “This is why it is so important for medical case managers to be updated on the latest information. It helps them to be a source of knowledge and better advocate for their clients.”

For more information about the MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center visit www.maaetc.org.