Engendering Medical Education- TOT Workshop at Karamsad, Gujarat - 13th to 15th June 2024

CEHAT organized a three-day workshop with Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, to sensitize medical educators about integrating gender perspectives in medical education. Held from June 13 to 15, 2024, this event marked the first workshop on Gender in Medical Education (GME), CEHAT in Gujarat. The workshop was well-attended by faculty members from various medical colleges across the state, including representatives from Karamsad, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, and Vadodara. The workshop saw the participation of esteemed members of the Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine (IAPSM), a prominent body of community medicine practitioners and educators. Their involvement underscored the growing interest in incorporating gender perspectives within the Gujarat chapter of IAPSM.

The workshop commenced with a warm introduction from the CEHAT team, setting the stage for an array of in-depth, insightful sessions. The primary objective of the workshop was to enhance the understanding of gender as a crucial determinant of health among medical professionals and to equip them with the tools necessary to incorporate these insights into their medical practice and teaching. The workshop covered a range of critical topics, including understanding gender as a social determinant of health, addressing the unique health needs of LGBTQIA+ communities, exploring ethical considerations in medical practice, and teaching gender-integrated modules. Renowned resource persons such as Dr. Priya Prabhu, Sylvester, Dr. Subhashri, Dr. Geetha Desai, and Dr. Jagadeesh led the sessions, utilizing adult learning techniques and participatory methods to engage participants deeply. 

The workshop was graced by the presence of esteemed faculty members from various departments of medical sciences. Participants were engaged through face-to-face exercises, group activities, case studies, interactive discussions, and multimedia presentations. Using real-world examples and practical case studies enabled participants to relate theoretical concepts to their professional experiences, making the learning process relevant and impactful. The workshop also included a session on "Teaching Gender-Integrated Modules: Working with Mentors," where the CEHAT team familiarized delegates with the gender-integrated MBBS curriculum and discussed steps for teaching gender perspectives to medical students. The workshop's highlight was the presentation of lesson plans developed by participants, showcasing their understanding and application of the workshop's teachings.

Participants rated their overall experience for the three days as highly satisfying. They appreciated the efforts of CEHAT in organizing the workshop and found the content presented to be highly relevant and useful for their professional development. Facilitators were commended for being engaging and allowing ample time for discussion and questions.  One participant mentioned, "The resource persons were exceptional in their delivery. They made complex concepts accessible and encouraged us to think critically about our biases and practices." The clear and understandable presentation of content was also appreciated. Another participant noted, "The facilitators were brilliant at breaking down the complex interplay between biological and social constructs of gender, making it relatable and understandable."

Participants were asked to share the key things they learned from the training. The responses were rich with insights, reflecting the depth and breadth of the knowledge imparted during the workshop. The workshop effectively bridged the gap between theory and practice, providing participants practical tools and strategies to implement professionally. The Gujarat training workshop received high praise from participants for its comprehensive coverage of crucial topics, effective resource persons, and interactive format. The valedictory function marked the end of a highly successful and enriching workshop, setting a benchmark for future initiatives in gender-sensitive medical education in Gujarat.

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