This past week, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey held its 37th annual human sexuality program for second year medical students. This program offers large group lectures, panelists, workshops and small group debriefings surrounding various issues in sexuality. Future doctors are exposed to a variety of information on sexuality and learn how to be accepting and non-judgmental of people’s sexual practices. Students practice giving sexual histories and learn how to be sensitive and aware of spectrums of sexuality.
This January program included many sexuality professionals with different backgrounds such as medical doctors, sexuality counselors, sex therapists, sex educators and social workers to name a few. For the second year in a row, the program was fortunate to have three representatives from the Medical Center to present on sexual dysfunction. Dr. Michael Werner gave an intriguing lecture on male sexual dysfunction and Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus opened up the students’ eyes to many issues women face when dealing with sexual dysfunction. Dr. Shannon Bertha served as the program coordinator as well as the opening lecturer on “Normative Sexual Behaviors”.
It is beneficial for students to learn from practitioners in the field using specific case histories that we encounter. Many students expressed support for such a program, one that had a completely professional focus where they could interact with other future clinicians on the complex issues of sex and sexual dysfunction. Many were happy to know there are clinicians in practice who focus solely on women’s sexuality including sexual health and pleasure.