The Medical Student Pride Alliance, a network of more than 60 LGBTQ+ student organizations at medical schools across the country, has awarded Case Med Pride its 2021 Chapter of the Year Award.
Under the leadership of co-presidents Lloyd Chen and Garrett Weskamp, Case Med Pride focuses on advocacy, education, mentorship and social activities. One of the group’s projects was a pre-clinical LGBTQ+ health elective for second-year medical students, allowing participants to delve intensively into issues pertinent to the community. Other projects included developing a longitudinal pre-clinical lecture curriculum, clinical case vignettes, and standardized patient diversity. Such work ensures a comprehensive and competent LGBTQ+ curriculum is delivered to students for years to come.
Case Med Pride’s impact extends beyond the classroom; last year, the chapter introduced its Intersex Advocacy Series at CWRU. The series featured an event for local youth to learn about supporting LGBTQ+ peers, grand rounds for local health care practitioners and a community-based social hour for the Cleveland LGBTQ+ community.
Though COVID-19 threatened to interrupt the group’s plans, Case Med Pride members moved programs online in the spring and summer. These activities included Zoom LGBTQ+ trivia nights and a Zoom drag show with a local drag queen.
Case Med Pride’s Chapter of the Year Award is the first-ever such award given by the Medical Student Pride Alliance.
Dr. Laura Mintz, assistant professor of medicine, is the organization’s faculty advisor.