Infectious disease specialists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of complex infections. They also treat people who have long-term (chronic) infections, or disorders such as HIV or tuberculosis.

Infectious disease specialists may further specialize in treating people in certain age groups, such as pediatric infectious disease specialists, who only treat children.

Infectious disease specialists are internists or pediatricians who further specialize in infectious diseases. They can be board-certified in infectious disease through the Board of Internal Medicine, which is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.