The UofL School of Medicine (ULSOM) remains steadfast in its mission to reduce healthcare disparities and foster an inclusive healthcare environment for all. Through the LGBTQ+ Affirming Healthcare Series facilitated by the UofL LGBT Center, the school seeks to strengthen healthcare access and support for the LGBTQ+ community, empowering providers with tools for inclusive, affirming care.

The latest session in the series featured Pride Keynote speaker Britney Daniels, MSN, RN, who delivered a compelling presentation titled Beyond Inclusion: Cultivating Queer Conscious Healthcare Practices on October 17. Daniels, an author and emergency room nurse, drew from her career to illuminate the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and the critical need for equitable healthcare practices. This session marked the second in the 2024-2025 series, and Daniels’ perspective, also shared in her book Journal of a Black Queer Nurse, resonated powerfully with attendees, highlighting the systemic change needed to create safe and affirming healthcare spaces.

Structured across six in-depth training sessions and three interactive patient simulation modules, the LGBTQ+ Affirming Healthcare Series equips healthcare students, professionals, and others committed to addressing LGBTQ+ health disparities with the essential skills needed to affirm, advocate, and improve health outcomes for LGBTQ+ patients.

“Every day, the School of Medicine commits to initiatives that address the healthcare disparities we encounter,” said Jeffrey Bumpous, Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and dean of the School of Medicine. “Our contribution to the LGBTQ+ Affirming Healthcare series exemplifies this commitment and reflects our dedication to positive systemic change.”

Participants in the series have the opportunity to earn a Certificate of Completion by attending at least four training sessions in person, hybrid, or asynchronously, along with completing three online patient simulation modules and reflections by March 31, 2025. Additionally, Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits are available to eligible attendees.

The next session in the series, scheduled for November 14 at noon, will feature Brittney Richardson, MD, assistant dean of Admissions, who will lead a presentation focused on furthering equitable healthcare practices. ULSOM students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to attend in support of Dr. Richardson’s message and to continue building momentum within this transformative series.

“The progress seen from the LGBTQ+ Affirming Healthcare Series is inspiring,” said Dr. Richardson. “I am deeply honored to contribute to this movement as we work to reduce disparities in healthcare, for both patients and providers.”

In celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, ULSOM proudly participates in this university-wide effort to advance health equity. The dedication of students, staff, and faculty reinforces our commitment to creating an inclusive and affirming environment for all.

Interested in registering for Dr. Richardson’s installment of the LGBTQ+ Affirming Healthcare Series? Fill out the interest form.