Inclusive by Design: 2SLGBTQIA+ Learning in Health Education

TitleInclusive by Design: 2SLGBTQIA+ Learning in Health Education
Faculty/College/UnitMedicine
StatusActive
Duration2 Year
Initiation04/01/2026
Project Summary

Health professionals are trained to deliver safe, effective healthcare for diverse populations. Yet, UBC health professional students (HPS) have identified insufficient learning to support 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. HPS focus groups identified gaps, or a complete absence, of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) curriculum.

HPS told us to “name it sooner and more explicitly,” by introducing a foundational curriculum which is revisited and expanded throughout their training and “not just a one-time thing.” They seek open, ongoing dialogue, shared learning, and to see themselves represented in our programs and professions. This project aims to have a reciprocal benefit of a more inclusive learning environment.

We aim to achieve our goals through:

  1. Developing an interprofessional learning experience featuring foundational SOGIE curriculum;
  2. Developing a framework to identify and map discipline-specific SOGIE curricular opportunities;
  3. Creating learning resources for faculty and clinical faculty in SOGIE curriculum and inclusive learning cultures.
Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year2026/2027
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorKaren Sauve
Year 1: Funded Amount34,749
Year 1: Team Members

Karen Sauve, Assistant Professor of Teaching, Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine
Shona McLaren (she/her), Assistant Professor of Teaching, Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine
Alexis Davis (she/her), Assistant Professor of Teaching, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (OSOT), Faculty of Medicine
Jay MacDonald (he/him), Assistant Professor of Teaching, OSOT, Faculty of Medicine
Doug Sladen (he/him), Associate Professor, Audiology and Speech Sciences, Faculty of Medicine
John Cheng (he/him), Educational Consultant, Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology
Holly Reid (they/them), Assistant Professor, OSOT, Faculty of Medicine
Max Szkarlat (they/them), MPT 2 Student, Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine
Emma Dallaire (she/her), MPT 1 Student, Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine
Nicole Arsenault (they/them), MOT 2 Student, OSOT, Faculty of Medicine
Mac Landerholm (she/they), MOT 1 Student, OSOT, Faculty of Medicine
Chloe Fichter (she/her), Audiology Student, Audiology and Speech Sciences, Faculty of Medicine