Supporting Residents with Chronic STIDs and Stigma

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases (STIDs) impact a vast majority of our population and does not discriminate based on age, gender identity, sexual identity, or socioeconomic status. Stigma associated with STIDs that are incurable (e.g., herpes complex) have a dramatic impact on the well-being of residents and are strongly associated with negative mental health if seen as a character flaw. We have a significant opportunity and ethical responsibility to support these residents and normalize the grief often associated with diagnoses.