Transgender Care and Medical Education

Our review outlines the historical background and current state of transgender medical education. Historically, the transgender community has had a tenuous relationship with medicine as an institution. This has manifested in significant health disparities for people of trans experience. The current literature supports the notion that exposure to transgender content during training improves provider attitudes toward LGBT patients, and increases provider competency with trans-specific care. Medical training must prepare clinicians to be sensitive and affirming of their patient’s identity and pronouns, demonstrate competence, and take an attentive, individualized approach particularly in managing gender dysphoria and transition-related care. Clinicians must be prepared to consider a patient’s mental health needs and to recognize an individual’s risk factors for preventative health screenings. Dedicated time must be set aside during clinical training to prepare providers for this important role.