Nayimisha Balmuri, MD, Jacob Spitznagle, MD, & Karen Onel, MD | Issue: April 2020 |
How do you ask a new patient about sex and gender—or know which pronoun to use? Keep the conversation straightforward and respectful to put everyone at ease, says Morgan Orndorff, a transgender man who works as an administrator at a major academic medical center. “Everyone is a little different in terms of their sensitivity level”…
Have you ever asked a patient, “How’s your sex life?” If your answer is “No,” you’re not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds healthcare providers don’t talk about sex with their patients for a variety of reasons: They feel uncomfortable discussing sex and sexuality with patients; They believe discussing sex will…
Dr. Sheffield is an adult rheumatologist who received the following referral request from a family doctor: “Please see this 22-year-old male with a history of juvenile arthritis for ongoing care. I have only seen him once, and have no previous medical records.” Dr. Sheffield meets with Paul, who reports that he has had arthritis since…
As many of you know, June is Pride Month, a time when we come together to support the LGBTQ+ community. Most often it is marked by parades and festivals. I am hoping to use this month to raise awareness around caring for transgender patients. Many doctors may say they don’t have any transgender patients in…