There is no cost to attend, and all interested individuals are invited to participate. Continuing education credit will be available.

Attend at DMU or online

LEARN MORE.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Healthcare professionals.

EDUCATIONAL NEED

Transgender individuals often face significant barriers to accessing competent and affirming healthcare, leading to disparities in health outcomes. Many healthcare providers receive limited formal education on transgender health, resulting in gaps in knowledge, skills, and confidence when conducting medical histories and physical examinations for transgender patients.

To provide high-quality, patient-centered care, healthcare professionals must understand the unique health concerns of transgender individuals, including gender-affirming interventions, hormone therapy, and social determinants of health. Additionally, providers must develop effective communication strategies that foster trust and inclusivity, ensuring that transgender patients feel respected and supported in clinical settings.

This educational activity addresses these needs by equipping healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills to conduct sensitive, comprehensive assessments. By improving competency in history-taking, physical examination, and patient-provider communication, participants will be better prepared to deliver equitable and affirming care to transgender patients, ultimately improving health outcomes and patient experiences.

DESCRIPTION

This interactive workshop enhances healthcare providers' ability to deliver culturally competent and affirming care to transgender patients. Participants will explore best practices for history-taking and physical examinations, ensuring that patient encounters are inclusive, respectful, and supportive.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Explore and practice the importance of culturally competent and sensitive approaches in history-taking and physical examinations for transgender individuals.
• Identify key considerations in gathering comprehensive medical histories from transgender patients, including gender-affirming interventions and hormone therapy.
• Learn and practice strategies for creating inclusive and affirming environments during patient encounters, promoting trust and open communication.
• Examine the role of language, terminology, and respectful communication in fostering positive patient-provider relationships in transgender healthcare.

SPEAKER

Maurice Blodgett, DO, CHSE
Assistant Dean of Student Advancement and Simulation, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences