Participants will learn about creating an education series discussing bias in healthcare. Recent research reveals a disparity in medical education in the United States and Canada related to LGBTQ+ health topics and bias in healthcare. Medical students at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) - Carolinas Campus were inspired by this deficit and developed an educational program with the goal of highlighting health disparities in medical education, the healthcare environment, patient care, and clinical outreach. The students reached out to local professionals and guest lecturers to create a bias seminar series. The series sought to supplement the current medical curriculum through interactive teaching sessions aimed at educating students and faculty. The topics covered throughout the series included general bias, racism, sexism, and LGBTQ+ bias as they pertain to healthcare. Specific sessions and lecturers covered bias, trauma-informed care, nuances of identity, community acceptance, and respect for patients. Question and answer sessions, discussion of specific examples, videos, guest panels, and lectures came together to form a dynamic educational platform available to all students and faculty. This widely popular series will ideally translate to self-awareness of bias and better care and understanding of underrepresented groups in the healthcare community.
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