Pharmacy professor becomes LLU’s first AAHIVM-certified HIV expert

 by Kristina Penny

Loma Linda University has its first HIV specialist. Jerika Lam, PharmD, assistant professor at the School of Pharmacy, received her certification from the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM) in January 2009. The AAHIVM first opened the certification to pharmacy professionals in 2008.

“I believe it is important to become certified by this national entity that advocates for optimal treatment and promotes research HIV,” states Dr. Lam. HIV certification signifies the expertise and experience of a medical or pharmaceutical professional in treating HIV-positive patients. It is given by AAHIVM only to those who can pass a 125-question exam, have conducted HIV clinical practice for at least three years, and completed 30 hours of continuing medical education.

Along with her duties as assistant professor, Dr. Lam works as a clinical pharmacist and HIV expert for the Desert AIDS Project, Riverside Neighborhood Health Center, and the Perris Family Care Center. “Obtaining the AAHIVM certification is an achievement that signifies the standards of professional medical and pharmaceutical care for HIV-positive patients,” says Dr. Lam.