A series of interactive modules, led by students, that seek to train students around how to best navigate the health concerns of LGBTQ- "plus" (LGBTQ+) patients. A collaboration between the E-board, SGA Diversity Committee, and the Rainbow Health Coalition, the Plus Program was designed to be an extension of the nationally recognized Safe Zone training platform, with workshops geared towards future physicians that aim to improve queer patient outcomes. Future modules will also address intersectionality within the queer population, providing further opportunities to develop competent physicians that can not only recognize discrimination, but work proactively to provide better care for all patients. 


01: Orientation

The Orientation module introduced:

  1. Core Vocabulary 
  2. DOs and DON'Ts in terminology
  3. Health Disparities and Intersectionality 
  4. Coming Out

Access here. 

02: History Taking 

The history-taking module identified:

  1. Intake processes to establish patient-provider trust 
  2. Shared decision-making in charting
  3. Techniques for gathering sensitive patient history.
Access here.

03: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

The HRT module introduced:

  1. Gender-affirming care
  2. Types and dosage routes of HRT 
  3. Informed-consent prescription
  4. Strategies for patient communication. 
This module was offered alongside an intramuscular/subcutaneous injection clinic to introduce related clinical skills. Access here.

Injection Clinic Slides

Why it matters:

01: Cultural Competence for LGBTQ+ Patients

  • Establishing a secure healthcare setting is a significant stride in fostering a healing environment for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Enhanced cultural competency training in healthcare and the implementation of physical space modifications to enhance the care experience for LGBTQ+ patients.

02: Understand Intersectionality

  • Practical resources are needed to create a clinic environment welcoming to all patients- particularly addressing the needs of underrepresented patient groups.
  • It is important to acknowledge the intersections of diverse identities to deliver comprehensive and inclusive healthcare services.

03: Montana Statistic for LGBTQ+ Individuals

In 2019, 2.9% of adults in Montana identified as LGBTQ+, with an estimated LGBTQ adult population of 30,000 individuals.

04: PrEP Eligibility vs. Use

  • Only 30% of individuals who could potentially benefit from Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) received a prescription for PrEP in 2021.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established objectives aimed at encouraging healthcare providers to offer PrEP to eligible and interested patients.

05: Disabilities in the Queer Population

The Institute of Medicine discovered that 47% of LGBTQ+ individuals aged 50 and above reported experiencing a disability, signifying a substantial demographic that will necessitate healthcare services in the future.

06: LGBTQ+ Population and Mental Health

  • Compared to their peers, LGBTQ+ youth have a suicide attempt rate that is more than four times higher
  • Early intervention is crucial to provide support for LGBTQ+ youth

07: Discrimination discourages LGBTQ+ individuals from seeking care

A survey of LGBTQ+ people shows:

  • 8% said a doctor or other healthcare provider refused to see them because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation.
  • 6% said a doctor or other healthcare provider refused to give them health care related to their actual or perceived sexual orientation.
  • 7% said a doctor or other healthcare provider refused to recognize their family, including a child or a same-sex spouse or partner.
  • 9% said a doctor or other healthcare provider used harsh or abusive language when treating them.
  • 7% said they experienced unwanted physical contact from a doctor or other healthcare provider (such as fondling, sexual assault, or rape).
The same survey of transgender people showed:

  • 29% said a doctor or other healthcare provider refused to see them because of their actual or perceived gender identity.
  • 12% said a doctor or other healthcare provider refused to give them gender-affirming health care.
  • 23% said a doctor or other healthcare provider intentionally misgendered them or used their wrong name.
  • 21% said a doctor or other healthcare provider used harsh or abusive language when treating them.
  • 29% said that they experienced unwanted physical contact from a doctor or other healthcare provider (such as fondling, sexual assault, or rape).

  1. Bass B, Nagy H. Cultural Competence in the Care of LGBTQ Patients. (Updated 2023 Nov 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563176/
  2. Deutsch, M. B. (2016, June 17). Creating a safe and welcoming clinic environment | Gender Affirming Health Program. https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/clinic-environment
  3. LGBT MAP - Montana
  4. HIV in the United States by Age: PrEP Coverage
  5. Queering the health care system: Experiences of the lesbian, gaby, bisexual, transgender community
  6. Price-Feeney, M., Green, A. E., & Dorison, S. (2020). Understanding the mental health of transgender and nonbinary youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 66(6), 684-690. Understanding the Mental Health of Transgender and Nonbinary Youth
  7. See the full article here

Incorporating literature around LGBTQ+ patient care education into student-led extracurricular medical education

Rosa Dale-Moore OMS-I and Sylvan Greyson OMS-I, poster presentation May 6, 2024

Full Poster Presentation

Resources

Bridgercare

Montana-based nonprofit reproductive and sexual healthcare clinic. Has a list of professionals that have been recommended by members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Montana Gender Alliance

Direct services, community building, and civic engagement for the transgender community within Montana. 

Contact shawn@mhrn.org for more info

AIDS Outreach

HIV testing, direct outreach, referrals for PrEP, financial assistance, and support for HIV+ persons and their families/caregivers, support group for HIV+ persons.

Human Rights Campaign

The largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for LGBTQ+ Americans.

Gender Spectrum

Helps youth, families, organizations, and institutions understand and address concepts of gender identity and gender expression.

TransVisible Montana

Promotes awareness and eduction within all Montana communities on issues affecting trans, two-spirit, and non-binary individuals. 

LGBTQ+ and Addiction

Guide on causes, resources, and treatment for substance use disorders within the LGBTQ+ community. 

LGBTQ+ Drug and Alcohol Treatment Resources

Article discusses why the LGBTQ+ community is at higher risk for addiction, 

Pride Foundation

Scholarships, grants, and advocacy for LGBTQ equality. 

The SafeZone Project

Free online resource for powerful, effective LGBTQ awareness and ally training workshops 

National Coalition for LGBTQ Health

Advocacy, education, and research resources.

Medical Student Pride Alliance

Supports the success of current and future LGBTQ+ medical students.

More resources will be added as the program expands