PURPOSE
Psychological and psychiatric concerns are highly prevalent among people
with HIV and individuals identifying as sexual and gender minorities (SGM).
Traditional medical curricula offer limited structured behavioral health
training with HIV/SGM populations. Immersive, interdisciplinary learning
experiences can bridge this gap by equipping future physicians with
culturally responsive skills to address important psychosocial dimensions in
integrative care settings.
METHODS
A one-month elective for advanced medical students was developed to provide
immersive instruction in behavioral health consultation within an academic
medical center HIV clinic and a student-run LGBTQ+ free clinic serving
underserved communities. The elective emphasizes adopting a psychological
lens while progressing from co-facilitated to independent behavioral health
consultations within an interdisciplinary team. Students participate in
screening for depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and substance use; deliver
brief evidence-based behavioral interventions; and engage in team discussions
and supervision. Additional components include creating a psychoeducational
handout and completing an in-depth biopsychosocial case study presented to
the treatment team.
RESULTS
The elective has primarily attracted senior medical students pursuing
careers in primary care, psychiatry, or underserved and rural health.
Participants consistently report increased competence and confidence in
identifying common psychiatric and psychosocial issues in HIV and SGM
populations; applying validated screening tools; delivering brief psychological
interventions in medical settings; communicating effectively within
interdisciplinary teams; and documenting concise behavioral health
consultation notes. Many students note increased interest in psychiatry,
integrated care, or underserved primary care. Interdisciplinary team members
have provided positive feedback regarding students’ meaningful clinical
contributions.
CONCLUSIONS
This elective addresses a curricular gap by offering structured behavioral
health training in real-world HIV/SGM clinical contexts. It enhances
students’ cultural responsiveness, deepens their attention to psychosocial
factors, and strengthens their appreciation of the role of behavioral health
services in integrated care settings.