A sex and gender medicine in emergency medicine course: a novel elective for trainees

Evidence-based sex and gender differences in Emergency Medicine (EM) affect every aspect of patient care. Unfortunately, these important differences are not yet routinely incorporated into traditional medical curricula, leaving most EM trainees bereft of this knowledge, potentially resulting in suboptimal patient care. In an effort to close this knowledge and curricular gap, a unique introductory 'Sex and Gender in Emergency Medicine' (SGEM) course was created and offered to medical students and EM residents as an elective course. Pre- and post-course surveys were obtained. Surveys were designed to assess awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding Sex- and Gender-based Medicine (SGM). Pre-surveys demonstrate that less than half (44%) were familiar with the topic of SGM and none reported receiving any prior instruction or medical education regarding SGM. Despite this relative unfamiliarity with SGM, the majority (91.6%) felt that SGM knowledge was important and would improve one's ability to care for patients. Post-survey responses consistently reflected that participants were now more familiar with SGM and additionally felt that SGM knowledge would affect their future clinical practice. All respondents felt that medical education should routinely incorporate SGM. An SGM/SGEM elective is feasible and an effective curricular addition to introduce SGM to medical students and residents.