Gun Violence Prevention: Physicians Leading the Way
Physicians are uniquely positioned to drive change in the fight against gun violence. Through collaborative efforts, education, and advocacy, we can make our communities safer
One of the most rewarding aspects of working in youth and firearm injury prevention is connecting with dedicated physicians across Michigan who share a passion for advancing public health and safety. As a Michigan Medicine physician, I regularly collaborate with Dr. Patrick Carter and Dr. Marc Zimmerman—renowned physician-researchers at the University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention. Additionally, my role on the Medical Staff at Trinity Health Muskegon has allowed me to engage with Trinity Health physicians statewide through the Trinity Health Gun Violence Prevention Workgroup, led by Dr. Kevin Bohnsack.
Recently, Dr. Christine Schloesser, a member of the Trinity Health Violence Prevention Workgroup, produced an insightful presentation designed to empower physicians in addressing gun violence and promoting safe firearm storage. Her presentation not only helps clinicians grow more comfortable initiating conversations with patients about firearm safety but also offers practical strategies for engagement.
Access the Presentation & Earn CME Credit
I encourage you to take advantage of Dr. Schloesser’s presentation and strengthen your role in firearm injury prevention
Dr. Schloesser’s presentation, “Gun Violence: A Public Health Crisis and Our Role as Physicians,” is available free of charge and provides physicians with 1 hour of AMA/AAFP Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit. To participate, register with the Michigan Center for Clinical Systems Improvement (Mi-CCSI). Registration is simple and takes just a minute. [Start your registration here]
One you have an account, you can find the course by clicking this link, or by searching in the On Demand Catalogue for, Gun Violence: A Public Health Crisis and our Role as Physicians.”
Participants Can Expect to Gain
Part 1: Understand the scope of the firearm violence epidemic in the United States and in Michigan and identify risk factors for types of gun violence
Part 2: Learn about the Michigan Secure Storage Law and how to incorporate secure storage counseling into your preventive visits.
Part 3: Lean how to perform C.A.L.M (counseling on access to lethal means) as a life-saving tool and discuss temporary transfer of firearms
Part 4: Learn in what circumstances an E.R.P.O (Extreme Risk Protection Order) is recommended and how to file
About Dr. Christine Schloesser
Dr. Christine Schloesser
Dr. Christine Schloesser is a Family Medicine physician at Trinity Health, providing comprehensive primary care and leading public health initiatives focused on community safety. She serves on the Trinity Health Gun Violence Prevention Workgroup, where she contributes to strategic system-level efforts aimed at reducing firearm-related injuries.
Dr. Schloesser is also a board member of Physicians for the Prevention of Gun Violence, working closely with colleagues to advance education, advocacy, and evidence-based prevention. As a BeSMART-trained presenter, Dr. Schloesser regularly facilitates community education sessions on secure firearm storage and child safety. Her clinical expertise informs her contributions to Governor Whitmer’s Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, where she serves on the Clinical and Secure Storage Subcommittees. In these roles, she helps develop practical, data-driven recommendations to enhance firearm safety and reduce preventable harm across Michigan.
Acknowledgement
This training is made available through funding from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan