HIV providers have been forced to do something that few other providers have to do - tackle the issue of shame, and create an atmosphere where it is safe on both sides to be vulnerable and honest. For many people, it takes a special kind of courage to even admit that they have this disease - getting treated requires them to engage in that reality on a regular basis, to walk into a physical space where other people have the disease and show their face as one of those people. HIV providers (and I'm including all of the staff in that term) often take on the role of social worker in addition to being a doctor, nurse, office administrator, physician's assistant. 

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