Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers from Coursera

The course is a comprehensive set of didactic lectures surveying fundamentals of transgender medical and surgical treatment. The material is meant to provide the student with core knowledge that is essential for current primary care providers caring for transgender patients.

There are 10 modules led by the expert clinical faculty from the pioneering Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, located within the Mount Sinai Health System and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

The course begins with an introduction to frame the sea change that has taken place in the current medical practice of transgender health care. Subsequent modules allow individuals to learn key elements necessary to provide quality transgender medical care. As a whole, the modules provide an opportunity to develop a knowledgeable approach to behavioral health, primary care, hormone therapy, and the surgical options.

Module 1: Introduction - Joshua D Safer

Module 2: Making the Determination - Hansel Arroyo

Module 3: Primary Care for Transgender Women - Zil Goldstein

Module 4: Primary Care for Transgender Men - Zil Goldstein

Module 5: What are the Essential Strategies to Transgender Hormone Therapy? - Joshua D Safer

Module 6: Initiation and Maintenance of Hormones for the Trans Masculine Patient - Joshua D Safer

Module 7: Initiation and Maintenance of Hormones for the Trans Feminine Patient -Joshua D Safer

Module 8: Transgender Surgery: Chest & Face - Bella K Avanessian

Module 9: Transmasculine Genital Surgery - Bella K Avanessian

Module 10: Transfeminine Genital Surgery - Bella K Avanessian

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction & Why has the Establishment Approach to Transgender Medical Care Changed?

Module 2: Making the Determination

Module 3: Primary Care for Transgender Women

Module 4: Primary Care for Transgender Men

Module 5: What are the Essential Strategies to Transgender Hormone Therapy?

Module 6: Initiation and Maintenance of Hormones for the Trans Masculine Patient

Module 7: Initiation and Maintenance of Hormones for the Trans Feminine Patient

Module 8: Transgender Surgery: Chest & Face

Module 9: Transmasculine Genital Surgery

Module 10: Transfeminine Genital Surgery

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Comprehensive overview of transgender medical and surgical treatment

Led by expert clinical faculty from the pioneering Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery at Mount Sinai

Covers both primary care and surgical aspects of transgender healthcare

Reviews summary

Transgender medicine overview

According to students, Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers is a largely positive course that provides a comprehensive overview of gender affirming surgeries and transgender care. Learners say that this course enhances comfort when interacting with transgender patients and increases confidence in providing transgender medicine across different levels of healthcare professionals. The course is well-received for its clear explanations, engaging assignments, and evidence-based information aligned with the current standard of care. While the quizzes are straightforward, some learners wish for more in depth assessments and interactive elements to enhance their learning experience.

Well-presented material that is not overly complicated and clinically relevant.

"The material is well-presented, not overly convoluted, and clinically relevant."

Respected instructors who made sure that the information was very clear and engaging.

"One of the best courses I've taken, the instructors were really respectful and always made sure that the information was very clear. A wonderful introduction to the topic."

Course creates sensitivity in students and provides guidance on how to interact with transgender patients.

"A great introductory set of lectures to transgender medicine. Sensitively worded, and also creating sensitivity in students."

Excellent overview of surgical treatments used in transgender medicine, covering the entirety of procedures

"It was an amazing course throughout and a special appreciation to the meticulous surgery modules which manged to cover the entirety of the procedures and still managed to be short and crisp."

Emphasizes the importance of using respectful terminology and treating transgender people with dignity.

"It is important to use respectful terminology, and treat transgender people as you would treat any other person. This includes using the name the person has asked you to call them (not their old name) as well as the pronouns they want you to use."

Desire for additional content to cover more in-depth topics and case studies.

"Even though this class is listed as intermediary, it is quite basic, I expected more detail and harder quizzes."

"I wish there was more, in-depth content to go through, because what I saw in the course so far is excellent!"

Course could benefit from more interactive elements and a discussion forum with active participation.

"The only thing I wish were different is that it wasn't very interactive and the lecturers were reading from slideshows."

"Why have a forum if there is no help?"

"It would be nice to be able to post questions and read the answers by the practitioners of the course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers with these activities:

Review primary care guidelines for transgender individuals

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Strengthens foundational understanding of primary care for transgender individuals.

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Refer to textbooks, guidelines, or research articles on primary care for transgender individuals.
Review essential topics such as hormone therapy, mental health, and surgical considerations.
Consider attending a CME or CE course on transgender primary care.

Read "Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource for the Transgender Community" by Laura Erickson-Schroth

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Provides a comprehensive understanding of transgender experiences and identities.

View Trans Bodies, Trans Selves: A Resource by and... on Amazon

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Obtain the book from a library or purchase it.
Read the book thoroughly, paying attention to the narratives and perspectives of transgender individuals.
Reflect on the insights gained and consider how they contribute to your understanding of transgender health care.

Practice taking patient histories

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Reinforce your understanding of patient history-taking techniques and prepare for real-world scenarios.

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Review common patient history questions
Practice taking patient histories with a friend or family member
Attend a simulation lab

Three other activities

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Review and apply essential strategies to hormone therapy

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Reinforces knowledge by applying essential principles of transgender hormone therapy.

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Read and understand the core principles of transgender hormone therapy.
Complete practice exercises on hormone therapy initiation and maintenance for trans masculine and trans feminine patients.
Discuss the strategies with peers or mentors to enhance understanding.

Explore surgical options for transgender individuals

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Expands knowledge on surgical options available for transgender individuals.

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Attend online tutorials or webinars on chest and facial surgery for transgender individuals.
Review surgical techniques, indications, and expected outcomes.

Develop a care plan for a transgender patient

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Enhances practical application of knowledge by creating a comprehensive care plan for a transgender patient.

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Gather information about the patient's medical history, transition goals, and current health status.
Develop an individualized care plan that addresses the patient's specific needs and preferences.
Include appropriate medical interventions, support services, and follow-up care.
Review and refine the care plan with the patient to ensure it meets their goals.

Career center

Learners who complete Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Transgender Health Specialist

As a Transgender Health Specialist, you will provide comprehensive care to transgender people, including medical, surgical, and mental health services. The Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers course can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to work with transgender patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transgender Health Specialist

Medical Doctor

As a Medical Doctor, you will diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, injuries, and other health conditions. You may specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as transgender health. The Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers course can help you build a foundation in transgender medical care, which can be helpful for working with transgender patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Doctor

Nurse Practitioner

As a Nurse Practitioner, you will provide medical care to patients under the supervision of a physician. You may specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as transgender health. The Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers course can help you build a foundation in transgender medical care, which can be helpful for working with transgender patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse Practitioner

Physician Assistant

As a Physician Assistant, you will provide medical care to patients under the supervision of a physician. You may specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as transgender health. The Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers course can help you build a foundation in transgender medical care, which can be helpful for working with transgender patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant

Endocrinologist

As an Endocrinologist, you will specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of endocrine disorders, including hormone imbalances. You may work with transgender patients to manage their hormone therapy. The Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers course can help you build a foundation in transgender medical care, which can be helpful for working with transgender patients.

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Plastic Surgeon

As a Plastic Surgeon, you will perform surgical procedures to improve the appearance and function of the body. You may specialize in transgender surgery, which involves procedures such as chest reconstruction and genital reassignment. The Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers course can help you build a foundation in transgender medical care, which can be helpful for working with transgender patients.

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Social Worker

As a Social Worker, you will provide support and guidance to individuals and families. You may specialize in working with transgender people, providing services such as counseling, case management, and advocacy. The Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers course can help you build a foundation in transgender medical care, which can be helpful for working with transgender patients.

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Psychologist

As a Psychologist, you will provide mental health services to individuals and families. You may specialize in working with transgender people, providing therapy and counseling to help them cope with the challenges of gender dysphoria and transition. The Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers course can help you build a foundation in transgender medical care, which can be helpful for working with transgender patients.

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Policymaker

As a Policymaker, you will develop and implement policies that affect transgender people. You may work in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the media. The Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers course can help you build a foundation in transgender medical care, which can be helpful for developing and implementing policies that affect transgender people.

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Researcher

As a Researcher, you will conduct studies to improve our understanding of transgender health and related topics. You may work in a variety of settings, such as universities, hospitals, and government agencies. The Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers course can help you build a foundation in transgender medical care, which can be helpful for conducting research on this topic.

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Community Organizer

As a Community Organizer, you will work to build and strengthen communities of transgender people. You may work in a variety of settings, such as non-profit organizations, government agencies, and the media. The Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers course can help you build a foundation in transgender medical care, which can be helpful for working with transgender communities.

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Educator

As an Educator, you will teach about transgender health and related topics. You may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, universities, and community organizations. The Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers course can help you build a foundation in transgender medical care, which can be helpful for teaching about this topic.

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Advocate

As an Advocate, you will work to promote the rights of transgender people. You may work in a variety of settings, such as non-profit organizations, government agencies, and the media. The Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers course can help you build a foundation in transgender medical care, which can be helpful for advocating for transgender people.

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Journalist

As a Journalist, you will write, edit, and produce news stories about transgender health and related topics. You may work for a variety of media outlets, such as newspapers, magazines, and television stations. The Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers course can help you build a foundation in transgender medical care, which can be helpful for reporting on this topic.

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Consultant

As a Consultant, you will provide advice and guidance to organizations on transgender health and related topics. You may work for a variety of clients, such as hospitals, schools, and businesses. The Transgender Medicine for General Medical Providers course can help you build a foundation in transgender medical care, which can be helpful for providing consulting services on this topic.

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