Filling the Gap: Why Continuing Education on Gender and Inclusivity in Healthcare is Vital for Doctors

Written By Braelin A

While medical schools provide essential training to aspiring doctors, one critical area often overlooked is comprehensive sex education, specifically focusing on gender diversity, inclusivity, and related topics. In this blog post, we explore the importance of continuing education for doctors in these areas and why it is crucial to bridge the gap left by limited sex education during medical school.

Understanding Gender Diversity

Medical schools typically have limited curriculum time dedicated to gender diversity and its impact on healthcare. Continuing education allows doctors to deepen their understanding of the diverse range of gender identities, including transgender and non-binary experiences. By keeping up with the latest research and best practices, doctors can provide inclusive and affirming care, improving patient outcomes and experiences.

Promoting Inclusivity in Patient Care

Continuing education equips doctors with the knowledge and tools to provide inclusive and culturally sensitive care to individuals from all backgrounds. By expanding their understanding of different cultural practices, beliefs, and social determinants of health, doctors can better address the unique needs and challenges faced by diverse patient populations, reducing health disparities and improving health equity.

Addressing Implicit Bias

Continuing education offers opportunities for doctors to confront and address their own implicit biases. Education on unconscious bias and stereotype threat empowers doctors to recognize and mitigate these biases in their clinical decision-making processes. By fostering a more inclusive and equitable healthcare environment, doctors can provide higher quality care and build stronger patient-doctor relationships.

Enhancing Communication and Patient Trust

Continuing education on gender and inclusivity enables doctors to develop effective communication skills when discussing sensitive topics with patients. Learning about appropriate language, pronoun usage, and respectful terminology fosters an environment of trust, making patients feel seen, heard, and respected. Improved communication leads to better patient satisfaction and engagement in their own care.

Advancing Professional Development

By seeking continuing education on gender and inclusivity, doctors demonstrate their commitment to professional growth and staying abreast of evolving healthcare practices. This commitment not only enhances their own clinical expertise but also contributes to positive systemic change, driving the advancement of inclusive healthcare policies and practices on a larger scale.

Conclusion

Continuing education plays a crucial role in filling the gap left by limited sex education during medical school. By investing in ongoing learning and development focused on gender diversity, inclusivity, and related topics, doctors can provide more comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and equitable care to their patients. Embracing continuing education is not only beneficial for individual doctors but also contributes to a more inclusive and patient-centered healthcare system.

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Braelin A

Braelin A. (she/her) is a queer, neurodivergent educator and entrepreneur from Cleveland, Ohio, who brings her richly diverse background and transparent self-awareness to the forefront of sexual health education. At 29, she leads Evidentia with a philosophy that personal history informs educational style, advocating for inclusivity and evidence-based, trauma-informed care. Formerly a child actor, Braelin has pivoted from professional theatre due to its systemic injustices, channeling her experiences into Evidentia and its HealthEquity Toolkit. She's holds a post-baccalaureate in Cannabis Therapeutics from Maryland University of Integrative Health and attended the Institute for Sexuality Education and Enlightenment. Committed to dismantling educational privilege, Braelin's mission is to deliver accessible, transformative resources that challenge oppression and promote holistic well-being.

http://www.braelina.com/
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