1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the Michigan State Medical Society's approval of Genspect, an organization designated as an anti-LGBTQ hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, to provide continuing medical education (CME) courses on transgender medicine. This decision undermines the integrity of medical education and potentially endangers the health and well-being of transgender individuals in our state. The accreditation of these courses is particularly alarming given that they feature content from anti-trans activists like Helen Joyce, who lacks medical credentials. Her lecture, which is part of the CME material, includes controversial and potentially harmful statements about trans aesthetics and rights. This raises serious questions about the scientific validity of the course content and its adherence to Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) guidelines. Furthermore, the involvement of other SPLC-designated hate groups, such as Moms for Liberty, in sponsoring some of the content adds to the gravity of this situation. We must recognize that allowing hate groups to influence medical education can have far-reaching consequences, potentially impacting healthcare policies and limiting LGBTQ+ rights. It's worth noting that similar CME courses offered by other groups have been suspended following complaints about their content. This precedent underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous standards in medical education. I urge you to take immediate action to address this issue. Please investigate the accreditation process that allowed Genspect to offer these CME courses and work towards revoking their accreditation. Additionally, I ask that you implement stricter vetting procedures to prevent hate groups from providing medical education in the future. Our medical professionals deserve access to scientifically sound, unbiased education that promotes the health and well-being of all patients, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. By allowing hate groups to teach CME courses, we risk compromising the quality of healthcare and perpetuating discrimination. Swift action on this matter is crucial to maintain the integrity of our medical education system and protect the rights and health of all Michigan residents.