UC Health has announced that it is launching a groundbreaking LGBTQIA2S+ occupational therapy fellowship, the first of its kind in the nation. The goal of this fellowship is to train culturally sensitive practitioners who can provide inclusive care to the LGBTQ community. Fellowship Director Colton Sayers emphasized the importance of addressing occupational injustices faced by marginalized groups and the opportunity for fellows to lead innovative change in healthcare.
The fellowship program will provide a blend of academic and clinical training to help fellows develop an understanding of inclusive care for LGBTQ individuals. The year-long program, starting in July 2025, will consist of a 40-hour work week with 60% of the time spent on clinical activities and 40% on academic activities. Fellows will gain hands-on experience in UC Health’s outpatient facilities and community organizations, working with a diverse range of conditions from neurodivergence to mental health issues.
Sayers highlighted the significant barriers that the LGBTQIA2S+ community faces in accessing healthcare and the importance of training practitioners to provide high-quality, empathetic care tailored to their unique needs. The fellowship will focus on cultural humility and interprofessional collaboration, preparing fellows to advocate for their patients and think creatively about their care.
For more information about the fellowship, including job details and how to apply, visit the link provided.