HIV-Positivity, AIDS, and The Military Psychiatry Residency Experience

Abstract

Psychiatry residents in the military work with a diverse population qf HIV-positive and AIDS patients who are in various stages in their illnesses, military careers, and acceptance ofthe disease process. In this circumstance, the military psychiatry residen t must be a clinician, administrator, andpatient advocate. Additionally, the militaryresident must uphold Department qf Defense regulations which mandate that soldiers be both physically and emotionallyfit to peiform their duties. This paper describes the unique role of the military psychiatrist in working with HIV-positive and AIDS patients in the militarysetting.