Ways to Get Involved Overview

Dear LGBT community members and allies,


[Volunteers preparing to be guest speakers in a medical school class]We welcome your involvement in the eQuality Curriculum and in other educational efforts related to the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex people. There are many ways you can have a positive impact and help further the goal of equitable, respectful health care for all.

To indicate your interest in being part of these efforts, please contact the LGBT Center on the Health Sciences Center (LGBTHSC at Louisville.edu). A staff member will ask to meet with you to talk about your interests and experiences to get you involved in eQuality.

Here are the different ways you can engage in this work:

  • Tell your story
    What have been your experiences in health care settings? (Positive and negative experiences are both informative to students!) Do you have ideas for how health care could be improved for LGBT people? We host multiple events (8+) across the year such as panels and guest speaking opportunities that need your voice. Your stories and ideas can be powerful to help create positive change. Please keep in mind that these are volunteer opportunities and often during typical work hours. You can participate in several or just one a year depending on your availability.
  • Pretend to be a patient
    Do you enjoy acting and want to help future physicians communicate more effectively and respectfully with LGBT people? You can be part of “patient simulation” events we host in which community members simulate a patient with a specific health history. This helps students hone their communication skills and consider the unique health needs of LGBT patients. Please keep in mind that these are volunteer opportunities and often during typical work hours. You can participate in several or just one a year depending on your availability.
  • Work for the School of Medicine as a Standardized Patient
    The School of Medicine is excited to hire members of the LGBT community into paid positions in the Standardized Patient Program These part-time positions are paid and the hours are highly variable. Please download this PDF for more information about what it means to be a Standardized Patient and how to apply.

Please contact the LGBT Center on the Health Sciences Center (LGBTHSC at Louisville.edu) if you have any additional questions about getting involved with eQuality!

More about the SP Program:

 

SP Program
Standardized Patient Program: Click for Full Size