(149) Perspectives of Fellowship Directors on Female Sexual Dysfunction in Sexual Medicine Fellowship Training

Abstract Introduction While sexual health is an important aspect of health and well-being for all genders, education on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is historically lacking in medical training. Among the 23 sexual medicine fellowships available to urologists through the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA), the majority focus on male sexual dysfunction with little to no training in FSD. There is a growing acknowledgment in the field that women’s sexual health merits the same clinical attention and research investment that have traditionally been directed toward male sexual dysfunction, however perspectives on incorporating FSD education in sexual medicine fellowship training has yet to be explored. Objective The objective of this study is to assess sexual medicine fellowship directors’ perspectives on FSD in fellowship training. Methods An anonymous 18 question survey was distributed to fellowship directors. Demographic information was collected along with information regarding current practice patterns and opportunities for fellows regarding FSD education. Results A total of 14 fellowship directors completed the survey across five American Urological Association (AUA) sections and Canada. The majority were male (79%) and reported being in practice for 20 years (79%). 6 (43%) completed a sexual medicine fellowship prior to becoming a sexual medicine fellowship director with 10 (71%) having no exposure to FSD prior to practice. While 8 (57%) reported they think the most appropriate initial referral for a patient with FSD is a urologist and 9 (64%) reported it is always important to screen female partners for FSD when treating a male with a sexual dysfunction, only 2 (14%) currently see patients with FSD in their practice. Among those who do not currently see patients with FSD, 3 (25%) reported they would consider seeing patients with FSD if they had additional education. When considering trainees, 8 (57%) reported they think it is somewhat or very important for a future fellowship trained sexual medicine urologist to be knowledgeable on FSD with 3 (21%) already incorporating FSD education into fellowship training. If a fellow expressed interest in learning about FSD, all (100%) reported they would support their trainees through a variety of ways: 10 (83%) would connect the fellow with other urologists who specialize in FSD, 7 (50%) would connect the fellow with local clinicians who specialize in FSD, 6 (43%) would provide financial support and/or time away for the fellow to attend conferences and workshops on FSD and 4 (29%) would provide financial support and/or time away for the fellow to pursue an observership. Conclusions Although a minority of sexual medicine fellowships include FSD education, the majority of fellowship directors think it is important for a future sexual medicine urologist to be knowledgeable about this topic and all would support fellows interested in learning more about this topic. Recognition of the importance of FSD education and expansion of structured learning opportunities has the potential to allow future sexual medicine urologists to promote equity in sexual medicine by addressing longstanding gaps between male and female sexual dysfunction and enhance their ability to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care to men and women. Disclosure No.