The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recognizes the pervasive health disparities that exist for many members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+) community, Further, the intersectionality of LGBTQIA+ and Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) communities perpetuates these disparities even further.
To counteract these inequalities and advance health equity, the AAFP firmly supports the inclusion of comprehensive LGBTQIA+ training within Undergraduate Medical Education (UME), Graduate Medical Education (GME), and Continuing Medical Education (CME). Learners in all phases of their careers should have access to continuously updated, easily accessible educational tools and resources dedicated to improving the health of and reducing disparities within the LGBTQIA+ community. These educational materials should highlight the role of intersectionality as a major contributor to health disparities.
The AAFP vehemently opposes the restriction of funding for UME or GME based on the provision of education or care for LGBTQIA+ communities. Doing so is a direct threat to our responsibility as physicians to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care to those we serve. (May 2023 BOD) (October 2023 COD)