Cultural v. Clinical Competence

Working with Transgender, Gender expansive, and Intersex patients and members requires both clinical and cultural competence. 

Cultural competence entails understanding the unique social factors that influence health and well-being, while clinical competence is required for properly diagnosing gender dysphoria and administering, monitoring, and evaluating medical treatments. 

Without both, TGI patients and members are subject to less effective healthcare, less satisfaction with their healthcare provision, and poorer health outcomes. 


Course curriculum

    1. Instructions

    2. Competence and Knowledge

    3. Comfort and Confidence

About this course

  • 15 minutes to complete

Markers of Medical Service Cultural Competency

Our assessment is designed to measure competence, knowledge, comfort and confidence with the the markers of TGI Cultural Competency in Medical Service and Plan Provision, as outlined by the California Department of Managed Healthcare and the TGI Working Group.

  • Recognize the difference between personal values and professional responsibilities.

  • Understand and apply essential terminology

  • Text length of individual points can be shorter or longer depending on your needs

  • Understand the range of gender-affirming care

  • Know the common barriers to healthcare

  • Practice effective, trauma informed communication

  • Consider the nuances in sub-populations represented within the TGI umbrella

  • Know the trends in key social determinants of health