While patients have a clear need for sexual health information, and look to healthcare providers as the most trusted resource, a significant number of medical schools lack formal sexual health training. According to a recent survey of medical students in the U.S., more than two-thirds of students (68.8%) indicated that that addressing and treating sexual concerns will be an important part of their future careers, but only 37.6% felt they have received adequate training to do so.
The American Medical Students Association (ASMA) offers resources for medical students looking to learn more about sexual health issues and how to improve sexual health curricula.
Resources from ASMA
- Sexual Health Leadership Program
In 2009, AMSA launched the Sexual Health Leadership Program to begin to address the lack of attitudes, knowledge, and skills training of American medical students in sexual health education. The online course includes lectures by experts, discussions among participants, various media, and collaborative projects. - Resources from AMSA on women’s health and LGBT health issues.