IDSA and HIVMA support bipartisan bill to strengthen ID workforce

Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have introduced legislation to reauthorize several health workforce programs, including the Bio-Preparedness Workforce Pilot Program. This program, once funded, will incentivize health professionals to pursue the fields of infectious diseases, HIV and emergency preparedness by offering loan repayment in exchange for service in these fields - providing a much-needed financial incentive to encourage individuals to pursue careers in ID.

The 2025 annual Match, in which only 45% of ID physician fellowship programs filled, demonstrates the urgent need for federal action to reduce the financial barriers that prevent many new physicians from entering ID. More ID physicians are desperately needed to support the growing numbers of complex patients with significant infection risks, including those undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplantation or other complex surgeries, and those taking certain biologics.

People with HIV who have access to experienced HIV clinicians have better outcomes and lower health care costs. More than 50% of new HIV cases occur in the South; this is also where HIV clinical workforce shortages are most acute. Loan repayment through the Bio-Preparedness Workforce Loan Repayment Program, in addition to fully funding all parts of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, will help ensure people with HIV stay healthy, stop HIV transmission and advance the bipartisan effort to end the HIV epidemic in the United States.

IDSA and HIVMA call on Congress to swiftly reauthorize and fund this important program to ensure that all Americans can access infectious diseases and HIV health care services.

About IDSA and HIVMA
The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a global community of 13,000 clinicians, scientists and public health experts working together to solve humanity's smallest and greatest challenges, from tiny microbes to global outbreaks. Rooted in science, committed to health equity and driven by curiosity, our compassionate and knowledgeable members safeguard the health of individuals, our communities and the world by advancing the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Within IDSA, the HIV Medicine Association is a community of health care professionals who advance a comprehensive and humane response to the HIV pandemic, informed by science and social justice. Visit idsociety.org and hivma.org to learn more.