Seeing Our Native Patients: A Case-based Learning Module on Intergenerational Trauma in American Indian/Alaska Native People

Introduction Intergenerational trauma has profound impacts on the health of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations, contributing to high rates of chronic disease and reduced life expectancy. Despite growing scientific recognition of these effects, medical education often fails to address...

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Main Authors: Katlin T. Wilson, Madison L. Esposito, Cailean D. MacColl, Rose Hammock, Taylor Pennewell, Amanda Dionne, Andrea N. Garcia
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Association of American Medical Colleges 2025-05-01
Series:MedEdPORTAL
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Online Access:http://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11528
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author Katlin T. Wilson
Madison L. Esposito
Cailean D. MacColl
Rose Hammock
Taylor Pennewell
Amanda Dionne
Andrea N. Garcia
author_facet Katlin T. Wilson
Madison L. Esposito
Cailean D. MacColl
Rose Hammock
Taylor Pennewell
Amanda Dionne
Andrea N. Garcia
author_sort Katlin T. Wilson
collection DOAJ
description Introduction Intergenerational trauma has profound impacts on the health of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations, contributing to high rates of chronic disease and reduced life expectancy. Despite growing scientific recognition of these effects, medical education often fails to address the unique health challenges and sociopolitical issues faced by Tribal Nations. This gap in curricula leaves providers with limited understanding of AI/AN health disparities, perpetuating inequities in care. Methods We developed a workshop on intergenerational trauma in AI/AN populations, featuring a case-based learning module, original videos, and interactive reflection exercises to enhance knowledge in a supportive environment. The workshop includes an introduction to AI/AN history, the transmission of intergenerational trauma, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis, and available resources. Results The workshop was successfully delivered to 46 participants. Comparison of pre- and postworkshop survey responses using paired-samples t test and chi-square test for independence revealed a significantly increased percentage of correct answer selection in response to two of four prompts (p < .01) and a significant improvement in familiarity with Indigenous resources (p < .01). Participants commented that the skill-focused teaching and resources provided were helpful. Discussion This workshop addressed a gap in medical education curricula while providing critical context on the health impacts of intergenerational trauma on the AI/AN community, including an analysis of medicolegal barriers in addressing the MMIP crisis. We bring visibility to events that impact health outcomes of the AI/AN community while equipping providers with Indigenous resources to incorporate into their care of AI/AN patients.
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spelling doaj-art-33328e5c262b4c30aa5f3813e567d1b32025-08-20T03:47:45ZengAssociation of American Medical CollegesMedEdPORTAL2374-82652025-05-012110.15766/mep_2374-8265.11528Seeing Our Native Patients: A Case-based Learning Module on Intergenerational Trauma in American Indian/Alaska Native PeopleKatlin T. Wilson0Madison L. Esposito1Cailean D. MacColl2Rose Hammock3Taylor Pennewell4Amanda Dionne5Andrea N. Garcia6Fourth-Year Medical Student, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolFourth-Year Medical Student, University of Minnesota Medical School, and Executive Board, Redbud Resource GroupFourth-Year Medical Student, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolExecutive Board, Redbud Resource GroupExecutive Board, Redbud Resource GroupAssistant Director, Center for American Indian and Minority Health, University of Minnesota Medical SchoolPhysician Specialist, Los Angeles County Department of Mental HealthIntroduction Intergenerational trauma has profound impacts on the health of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations, contributing to high rates of chronic disease and reduced life expectancy. Despite growing scientific recognition of these effects, medical education often fails to address the unique health challenges and sociopolitical issues faced by Tribal Nations. This gap in curricula leaves providers with limited understanding of AI/AN health disparities, perpetuating inequities in care. Methods We developed a workshop on intergenerational trauma in AI/AN populations, featuring a case-based learning module, original videos, and interactive reflection exercises to enhance knowledge in a supportive environment. The workshop includes an introduction to AI/AN history, the transmission of intergenerational trauma, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis, and available resources. Results The workshop was successfully delivered to 46 participants. Comparison of pre- and postworkshop survey responses using paired-samples t test and chi-square test for independence revealed a significantly increased percentage of correct answer selection in response to two of four prompts (p < .01) and a significant improvement in familiarity with Indigenous resources (p < .01). Participants commented that the skill-focused teaching and resources provided were helpful. Discussion This workshop addressed a gap in medical education curricula while providing critical context on the health impacts of intergenerational trauma on the AI/AN community, including an analysis of medicolegal barriers in addressing the MMIP crisis. We bring visibility to events that impact health outcomes of the AI/AN community while equipping providers with Indigenous resources to incorporate into their care of AI/AN patients.http://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11528American Indian/Alaska NativeNative HealthIntimate Partner ViolenceSocial Determinants of HealthTrauma-Informed CareCase-Based Learning
spellingShingle Katlin T. Wilson
Madison L. Esposito
Cailean D. MacColl
Rose Hammock
Taylor Pennewell
Amanda Dionne
Andrea N. Garcia
Seeing Our Native Patients: A Case-based Learning Module on Intergenerational Trauma in American Indian/Alaska Native People
MedEdPORTAL
American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Health
Intimate Partner Violence
Social Determinants of Health
Trauma-Informed Care
Case-Based Learning
title Seeing Our Native Patients: A Case-based Learning Module on Intergenerational Trauma in American Indian/Alaska Native People
title_full Seeing Our Native Patients: A Case-based Learning Module on Intergenerational Trauma in American Indian/Alaska Native People
title_fullStr Seeing Our Native Patients: A Case-based Learning Module on Intergenerational Trauma in American Indian/Alaska Native People
title_full_unstemmed Seeing Our Native Patients: A Case-based Learning Module on Intergenerational Trauma in American Indian/Alaska Native People
title_short Seeing Our Native Patients: A Case-based Learning Module on Intergenerational Trauma in American Indian/Alaska Native People
title_sort seeing our native patients a case based learning module on intergenerational trauma in american indian alaska native people
topic American Indian/Alaska Native
Native Health
Intimate Partner Violence
Social Determinants of Health
Trauma-Informed Care
Case-Based Learning
url http://www.mededportal.org/doi/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11528
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