Human Development and Health Topics 2009

2d Year Medical Students - UCONN School of Medicine

Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) children and adolescents are a unique population with needs that may often be overlooked in clinical practice. GLBT young people can be at greater risk for violence, suicide, substance abuse, sex against one’s will, homelessness, pregnancy and STDs. Many of these risks can be addressed by appropriate intervention and support from the clinician when the child is young. This can raise unique legal, ethical and policy issues for the clinician. This group will focus on some of these issues. Possible topics include:

  1. Gender identity and development: legal and ethical implications of treatment issues for children
  2. Conflicts between parental interests and best interests of child: legal and ethical issues
  3. Defining GLBT patients: identity, orientation, behavior?
  4. Sexual health and development
  5. Advocacy for GLBT youth and its limits
  6. The coming out process

These are example topics. You are free to select a different topic at our first meeting.