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

MedEdPORTAL. 2025 May 21;21:11528. doi: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11528. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

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.

PMID:40400709 | PMC:PMC12092727 | DOI:10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11528