Preparing Australian medical students for safe overseas clinical placements in the era of HIV.

Students seeking clinical experience in countries with a high prevalence of HIV will be at risk of percutaneous injury and subsequent HIV infection. African clinical placements will involve contact with patients affected by HIV/AIDS. The prevalence of HIV may be greater than 20% of the general population. The prevalence of HIV amongst inpatients may be greater than 60%. Preparation of a student should include: appropriate education; effective immunisation; understanding how to evaluate an 'at risk' exposure; immediate availability of PEP. The risks of acquiring HIV sexually may be higher than through clinical work. (non-author abstract)