A groundbreaking interdisciplinary curriculum has been introduced in Internal Medicine residency programs to improve education in women’s health, gender-affirming care, and health disparities. Led by Janet Henrich, MD, and developed in collaboration with faculty from multiple disciplines, including Internal Medicine, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Surgery, and community experts, this curriculum consists of half-day modules on interconnected topics that emphasize health equity and interactive learning.

Since its implementation in 2015 for around 175 residents annually, the program’s effectiveness has been evaluated through anonymous surveys. The data from 2022-2023 revealed that 90% of the 131 resident respondents felt adequately prepared to apply the skills they had learned. There was a consistent trend of increased comfort with the material across previous years. The curriculum was specifically praised for its interactive teaching methods and direct learning experiences from community members and peers.

This innovative educational approach has proven successful in enhancing resident learning and readiness. The team hopes that this success can be replicated in other medical training programs to address critical issues in women’s and gender-affirming care education and create a more equitable healthcare environment. For more information about this interdisciplinary approach to preparing Internal Medicine residents to care for patients at the intersection of women’s health, gender-affirming care, and health disparities, refer to the article “It Takes a Village: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Preparing Internal Medicine Residents to Care for Patients at the Intersection of Women’s Health, Gender-Affirming Care, and Health Disparities” published in the Journal of Women’s Health by Henrich JB et al.