Article Overview:

This article examines how trauma can be passed down through generations and how that impacts rapport building for medical assistants. It explains the science behind how intergenerational trauma impacts gene expression, examining the phenomenon called the “Grandmother effect,” and different studies such as the ACE study and Tuskegee Syphilis study that show the impacts of generational trauma. It uses a real-world example to show how trauma can manifest, such as feelings of disconnection or freezing up during interactions. It gives medical assistants strategies to use to help patients feel safe and in control during care.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how trauma can be passed through generations and recall the studies related to intergenerational trauma.
• Recognize signs that a patient may be having a trauma response.
• Identify trauma-informed communication techniques to provide patient support and make patients feel safe.