Multidisciplinary Course on Medical Care for LGBTQ+ patients

Abstract

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) -identified patients comprise a large proportion of the overall patient population: 4.5% in the United States (1). Patients who identify as LGBTQ+ often face unique health risks, requiring an individualized approach to cancer screenings, infectious disease screenings, and vaccinations. LGBTQ+ patients are also more likely to have mental health needs, due to the significant minority stress they experience. Discrimination by healthcare providers and lack of provider knowledge about LGBTQ+ health is rampant, with 20% of transgender patients reporting being refused medical care, and 50% reporting needing to teach their healthcare provider how to treat them (2). Sexual Health in general and LGBTQ specifically is underrepresented in the medical curriculum. This two-week elective course provides intensive and more advance training for medical and nurse practitioners students interested in LGBTQ+ patient care. Online modules, pre-recorded lectures (PRLs), guest lectures from experts in the field and a group project aim to provide students with LGBTQ+ health knowledge and skills applicable to direct clinical practice. Our goal is to also foster a broader understanding of the roles of social determinants of health and interdisciplinary collaboration as they relate to the comprehensive care of LGBTQ+ patients.