The National Academies Report on Sexually Transmitted Infections: Implications for Clinical Training, Licensing, and Practice Guidelines

This viewpoint discusses important implications from a recent National Academies report on sexually transmitted infections for future role of sexually transmitted infection and human immunodeficiency virus expert providers as well as for training, licensing, and practice guidelines for US clinicians more broadly. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a sizable, longstanding, and growing challenge and a national public health priority. A recent National Academies report outlines new directions for STI prevention and control, including the adoption of a new sexual health paradigm and broader ownership and accountability for addressing sexual health and STIs among diverse clinical and nonclinical actors. These recommendations have important implications for infectious disease providers with STI and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) expertise. As part of the envisioned shift toward greater prioritization of sexual health across systems for healthcare and health promotion, STI and HIV specialty providers will need to increasingly take on responsibilities as leaders in the provision of STI-related training; provision of technical assistance; and alignment of clinical training curricula, licensing criteria, and practice guidelines for healthcare generalists.