Factors influencing career paths in Infectious Disease and/or HIV pharmacy: An exploratory study of pharmacy school graduates

Objective: This study aimed to determine what impact an elective course in HIV had on pursuing a speciality in Infectious Disease (ID) and/or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) pharmacy. Methods: Graduates enrolled in an HIV elective in three subsequent years were recruited. A cross-sectional study assessed what career path participants chose post-graduation, what impact the elective had on their career path, and if they obtained the AAHIVE/AAHIVP credential using this elective to fulfill the credential's educational requirement. Results: Three hundred and twenty-five emails were sent to graduates. Sixty-eight (20.9%) participants responded. Ten of the respondents (14.7%) considered themselves to be practising in ID pharmacy and/or HIV pharmacy. Of these ten respondents, four indicated that taking the HIV elective made them more likely to become an ID or HIV pharmacy specialist; seven of those respondents became, or are planning to become, an AAHIVE/AAHIVP-credentialed pharmacist. Conclusion: Taking an HIV elective may influence post-graduation career choices in this small cohort.