R. Scott Hitt, founder of the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM), died Thursday, November 8, 2007, in Los Angeles, California, after a long courageous battle with cancer.
Dr. Hitt founded the AAHIVM, an independent membership organization of physicians, (MDs and DOs) Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants and others dedicated to promoting excellence in HIV/AIDS care, and the only organization providing its members and other eligible HIV care providers the opportunity to become credentialed HIV Specialists™
“We are without words to fully express our sadness and profound loss at Dr. Hitt’s premature passing,” said AAHIVM Board Chair Jeffrey Schouten, MD, AAHIVS, Attorney-at-Law. “Throughout his career he worked tirelessly to improve the quality of and access to care for all HIV/AIDS patients in this country. As the founder of the AAHIVM, he helped establish a measurable standard in HIV medicine with the creation of the first credentialing program for all HIV care providers, the HIV Specialist™ designation. Scott was a visionary with the energy and political savvy to realize his visions. Today we have lost not only a dedicated health care leader and activist; we have lost a dear colleague and friend.”
Before founding AAHIVM in January, 2000, Scott Hitt, MD, was one of the most visible, vocal and politically active HIV providers in the country. He served as chair of the President’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS during the Clinton Administration, and was also a partner in one of the country's largest private HIV practices, LA’s Pacific Oaks Medical Group. Dr. Hitt also served on the boards of many of the nation’s top AIDS service organizations. In 2004, actor and activist Judith Light said of Dr. Hitt, “Scott Hitt’s contribution to fighting AIDS and serving people with AIDS is inestimable. He is one of the pivotal people in the struggle.”
Dr. Hitt resigned his post at AAHIVM in July, 2004 for health reasons. In 2006, AAHIVM awarded the first R. Scott Hitt Scholarship for clinicians and trainees who are interested in becoming HIV expert care providers.
“Our staff, our members and the 1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. will reap the rewards of Dr. Hitt’s contributions for years to come,” said AAHIVM Executive Director James Friedman.
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