Improving Sexual and Gender Minority Health Education among United States Physician Assistant Program

Problem: The sexual and gender minority (SGM) population has a longstanding history of social stigmatization and healthcare discrimination, contributing to high-risk health behaviors and poor mental and physical health outcomes. Although the physician assistant (PA) profession plays a crucial role in patient care across all clinical settings, no guidelines set forth by the PA regulating bodies currently exist regarding the training and standards for competency of PAs in the area of SGM health. Purpose: This paper explores the readiness of PA students to provide optimal care to SGM patients, identifies barriers to implementing successful SGM health curricula, and proposes solutions to those barriers. Research Questions: Are US PA students adequately prepared to care for SGM patients? What are the barriers to improving SGM health education among US PA programs? Methods: A review of the current literature pertaining to SGM health education among medical schools and physician assistant programs was conducted. Outcomes: A lack of SGM health education occurs among US PA programs, particularly in the area of transgender health. Most students graduate with cultural competence training but little knowledge about the clinical management of health disparities affecting the SGM population. Benefit: This project takes the first step towards understanding the role of the PA profession in promoting the health of the SGM population. The information gained from this project will serve as a guide for curriculum reform, helping to create a higher standard of care for SGM patients.