Description
The Program in Human Sexuality is one of the largest clinical, teaching, and research institutions in the world specializing in human sexuality. We have a strong research agenda in HIV prevention, sexual aggression and compulsive sexual behavior, transgender health, and women's sexual health that has been supported by millions of dollars in state and federal funding, and we have developed innovative and effective treatment approaches to sexual problems. PHS has led the way nationally and internationally in crucial, often controversial, sexual issues and has worked with local, national, and international health agencies to advance public health policies promoting sexual health.
The University of Minnesota Medical School created PHS in 1971 and assigned it the task of teaching and conducting research in the field of human sexuality. A medical school curriculum was established that included a sexual attitude reassessment seminar with lectures and readings. In 1973, PHS began offering therapeutic and educational services to individuals with sexual dysfunctions and other relationship problems, and in 1977 we became a unit within the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. Over 5,000 University of Minnesota and Mayo medical students have been trained to deal with their patients' sexual health concerns, and tens of thousands of physicians, psychologists, clergy, and other professionals have been given up-to-date knowledge on how to treat a variety of sexual problems.
