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Funding Information

Financial Support for the Symposium was provided by Salisbury University Interprofesssional Care Fellowship

Abstract

Background: Transgender experience is often excluded from education and training. An emphasis has been often placed on sexual identities instead of gender differences rendering transgender care invisible in the healthcare system (Gahagan & Colpitts 2017). Lack of education and training has created significant barriers to accessible gender-affirming care, contributing to disproportionately high levels of discrimination for transgender individuals seeking medical services (Redcay et al., 2021). Purpose: The Interprofessional Education Symposium on Transgender Care and Experience was an innovative initiative developed by the newly formed Transgender Interprofessional Care Team (TICT) at a medium-sized suburban university. This collaborative team, comprising key university and community stakeholders, was created to drive transformative change in community health. Aiming to educate current health and human service professionals while preparing the next generation of practitioners, the symposium brought together professionals and individuals with lived experiences to address barriers and deepen understanding of comprehensive gender-affirming care. This effort not only sought to enhance immediate professional competencies but also to build a foundation for a more inclusive and skilled future workforce, ensuring accessible, affirming care. Method: A post-symposium survey was distributed to attendees to assess their achievement of conference objectives, knowledge of transgender care, workforce barriers, and anticipated benefits for their future practice. Discussion: Post-symposium data revealed that while practicing professionals were committed to advancing transgender care, they faced significant barriers related to training and education. Conclusion: Data demonstrated the need for evidence-based, gender-affirming best practice education not only for current health and behavioral health professionals but also within higher education to prepare the future workforce. Identified barriers included a lack of knowledge and leadership support, as well as existing challenges with interprofessional communication and collaboration, which are essential for promoting more comprehensive care.

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