Post-graduate Certificate Program

in LGBTQ+ HEALTH

Advanced training in LGBTQ+ health for residents and fellows

The certificate in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer + (LGBTQ+) Health provides advanced training and experience to better equip residents and fellows to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ adults, and to improve their experience interfacing with the health care system.

The certificate is granted by Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and the Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME) after successful completion of a curriculum coordinated by Vanderbilt Health and the Vanderbilt Program for LGBTQ+ Health. The goal of the program is to improve provider knowledge and enhance physician leadership regarding education, cultural competence, and compassionate care for adult LGBTQ+ populations.

The certificate program is comprised of three primary components:

  • Didactic elements composed of group discussion seminars and journal clubs
  • Experiential activities
  • Capstone project

Monthly seminars with topics covering key topics related to adult LGBTQ+ health are coordinated with Vanderbilt Health and the Vanderbilt Program for LGBTQ+ Health, as well as with faculty and invited subject matter experts.

 

Under applicable law, gender-affirming care involving puberty-blocking drugs, cross-sex hormones, and surgical gender transition is prohibited for any patients under age 19.

Clinical Experiences

The core experiential component of this certificate program will include clinical observation in adult LGBTQ+-focused clinics or procedures at VUMC.

While VUMC’s on-site opportunities for clinical care of LGBTQ+ adults continue to grow, the experiential component of this certificate may also be satisfied by partnering with other Vanderbilt, VUMC, or community resources. Partnership with these additional resources is encouraged and can be tailored to the trainees’ interests.

Capstone Research

While the capstone project may take a number of forms, it is ultimately an opportunity for the trainee to demonstrate proficiency and acquired knowledge within the realm of LGBTQ+ health, and to share this education with the VUMC community and more broadly.

Certificate participants are expected to coordinate or support an education-oriented effort within their department related to LGBTQ+ health, or to engage in a scholarly project of their choosing (i.e. presentation, publishable manuscript, research project) related to LGBTQ+ health. The capstone may be tailored to each trainee's interests in light of their departmental training programs and in conjunction with the certificate program director.

Topics discussed during the program include, but are not limited to, the following: 

  • Observed and Personal Bias, Patient-Centered Care
  • Terminology and Language Related to with Sexual Health
  • Legal and Ethical Considerations in Provision of LGBTQ+ Health
  • Health Care Quality and Cost related to LGBTQ+ Health
  • Spirituality and Religion among LBGTQ+ People
  • Differences of Sexual Development
  • Resources at VUMC

Journal Club content includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Adult hormones and medical transitioning
  • Adult gender-affirming surgery
  • Pediatric and Adolescent LGBTQ+ health (excluding hormone therapy and surgery)
  • Older and geriatric LGBTQ+ health

2023-2024
Urethroplasty Outcomes After Phalloplasty
Using Community Engagement to Improve Relevance and Quality of Quantitative Trans Health Research
Improving Sexual Preference Documentation in Epic
Gender, Sexuality, Birth Control Methods, and Pregnancy Information - Tool Integration in the EHR
Collaborative Care Model: Behavioral Health Support for LGBTQ+ Patients
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Gender Dysphoria in Transmasculine Individuals
Patient-reported Outcomes Measures for Gender Dysphoria
Improving Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV: Discussions with Adolescent Patients

Current, active trainees in Vanderbilt GME programs are eligible to participate in the certificate program. Trainees must submit:

  • A letter of support from their program director. The letter of support does not need to be a formal letter of recommendation. The letter of support must only communicate the trainee’s availability to commit to the certificate program requirements.
  • A brief personal statement (less than 300 words) indicating prior experience, intentions, and interest. No prerequisite training or experience is necessary to apply or complete this program.

For more information, and to apply, please send us an email.

Program Leadership

Christopher Terndrup, MD

Associate Professor of Medicine
Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health
Medical Director, VIVID Health