5 answers
River
Student
Cumming, Georgia
1
Question
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Is the medical field a safe place for nonbinary doctors?
Is the medical field a safe place for nonbinary doctors? I know some professions can be a hostile place for LGBTQ+ people
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5 answers
Craig Moye
Emergency medical technician
27
Answers
Abington, Pennsylvania
Updated
Craig’s Answer
I can't speak for all places. My workplace is very diverse! I will say as a medical professional you will have patients you may not agree with but you can't turn them away. I'm just an EMT, but I've had patients call me "colored", I've had old ladies tell me "I'd date a colored man now that my parents are dead" when they fell on the floor and are nude, I've had old ladies cop a feel on me, I've had old men married with kids call me gorgeous, I've heard alot. But I couldn't exactly scream and run away!
My point is, comparing yourself to the kinds of people you'll deal with, you'll be welcome with open arms lol. Just do your job and you'll be fine! Also you'll be in a STEM field so your peers will believe in things like biology, chemistry, physics, math and supportive of your choices and who you are! People in medicine tend to be open. I know medical professionals who do tarot and other religions outside of work. I know some who've seen exorcisms and more!
My point is, comparing yourself to the kinds of people you'll deal with, you'll be welcome with open arms lol. Just do your job and you'll be fine! Also you'll be in a STEM field so your peers will believe in things like biology, chemistry, physics, math and supportive of your choices and who you are! People in medicine tend to be open. I know medical professionals who do tarot and other religions outside of work. I know some who've seen exorcisms and more!
Thank you so much, Craig!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3736
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Subject: Ensuring a Safe Environment for Nonbinary Doctors in the Medical Field
Dear River,
Is the healthcare sector a welcoming space for nonbinary physicians?
The significance of diversity and inclusivity across all professions, including healthcare, has been increasingly recognized over the years. Yet, it's crucial to note that bias and discrimination persist in many work environments, including those in the medical field. Nonbinary individuals, those who don't strictly identify as male or female, may face distinct hurdles in a typically binary system such as medicine.
Obstacles Encountered by Nonbinary Physicians:
Nonbinary physicians may confront a range of obstacles in the healthcare sector, including:
Discrimination: Nonbinary individuals might experience discrimination stemming from their gender identity, whether it's from colleagues, patients, or superiors. This discrimination can take many forms, from subtle microaggressions and exclusion to blatant harassment.
Insufficient Policies and Support: A number of healthcare institutions might not have specific policies or support structures in place to cater to the needs of nonbinary individuals. This lack of support can lead to feelings of isolation and marginalization.
Misgendering: Nonbinary physicians might be misgendered or referred to by incorrect pronouns, which can be invalidating and cause distress. This can affect their sense of belonging and overall well-being at work.
Career Progression: Nonbinary physicians might encounter obstacles to professional growth due to systemic biases and prejudices within the healthcare sector. This can restrict their opportunities for career advancement and development.
Positive Developments and Support for Nonbinary Physicians:
Despite these obstacles, there have been encouraging strides towards creating a more inclusive environment for nonbinary physicians in the healthcare sector:
Diversity Initiatives: Numerous healthcare organizations are launching diversity initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and supporting LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals. These initiatives might include LGBTQ+ cultural competency training and the creation of safe spaces for nonbinary individuals.
Advocacy and Visibility: Nonbinary healthcare professionals and their allies are fighting for increased visibility and representation within the healthcare sector. By sharing their stories and experiences, they highlight the obstacles faced by nonbinary physicians and advocate for systemic change.
Legal Safeguards: In certain regions, there are legal protections in place to prevent discrimination based on gender identity. Nonbinary physicians might have recourse through anti-discrimination laws and policies that protect their rights at work.
Conclusion:
While strides have been made towards creating a more inclusive environment for nonbinary physicians in the healthcare sector, obstacles still persist. It's vital for healthcare institutions to proactively address discrimination, provide support structures, and advocate for diversity to ensure that all healthcare professionals, irrespective of their gender identity, feel safe and appreciated in their work environment.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
American Medical Association (AMA)
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
National LGBT Health Education Center
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Dear River,
Is the healthcare sector a welcoming space for nonbinary physicians?
The significance of diversity and inclusivity across all professions, including healthcare, has been increasingly recognized over the years. Yet, it's crucial to note that bias and discrimination persist in many work environments, including those in the medical field. Nonbinary individuals, those who don't strictly identify as male or female, may face distinct hurdles in a typically binary system such as medicine.
Obstacles Encountered by Nonbinary Physicians:
Nonbinary physicians may confront a range of obstacles in the healthcare sector, including:
Discrimination: Nonbinary individuals might experience discrimination stemming from their gender identity, whether it's from colleagues, patients, or superiors. This discrimination can take many forms, from subtle microaggressions and exclusion to blatant harassment.
Insufficient Policies and Support: A number of healthcare institutions might not have specific policies or support structures in place to cater to the needs of nonbinary individuals. This lack of support can lead to feelings of isolation and marginalization.
Misgendering: Nonbinary physicians might be misgendered or referred to by incorrect pronouns, which can be invalidating and cause distress. This can affect their sense of belonging and overall well-being at work.
Career Progression: Nonbinary physicians might encounter obstacles to professional growth due to systemic biases and prejudices within the healthcare sector. This can restrict their opportunities for career advancement and development.
Positive Developments and Support for Nonbinary Physicians:
Despite these obstacles, there have been encouraging strides towards creating a more inclusive environment for nonbinary physicians in the healthcare sector:
Diversity Initiatives: Numerous healthcare organizations are launching diversity initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and supporting LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals. These initiatives might include LGBTQ+ cultural competency training and the creation of safe spaces for nonbinary individuals.
Advocacy and Visibility: Nonbinary healthcare professionals and their allies are fighting for increased visibility and representation within the healthcare sector. By sharing their stories and experiences, they highlight the obstacles faced by nonbinary physicians and advocate for systemic change.
Legal Safeguards: In certain regions, there are legal protections in place to prevent discrimination based on gender identity. Nonbinary physicians might have recourse through anti-discrimination laws and policies that protect their rights at work.
Conclusion:
While strides have been made towards creating a more inclusive environment for nonbinary physicians in the healthcare sector, obstacles still persist. It's vital for healthcare institutions to proactively address discrimination, provide support structures, and advocate for diversity to ensure that all healthcare professionals, irrespective of their gender identity, feel safe and appreciated in their work environment.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
American Medical Association (AMA)
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
National LGBT Health Education Center
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Barry Loudermilk
Loss Control Consultant
17
Answers
Elgin, South Carolina
Updated
Barry’s Answer
Craig gave a good answer.
I would guess that if you work in a medium sized or large city, you'd probably find more support. However, some things you can't control. Just be the best medical professional you can, learn as much as you can about your profession and the rest will take care of itself.
I would guess that if you work in a medium sized or large city, you'd probably find more support. However, some things you can't control. Just be the best medical professional you can, learn as much as you can about your profession and the rest will take care of itself.
Davina Nolten
Referral Coordinator
15
Answers
Milton, Washington
Updated
Davina’s Answer
Yes. I have worked with several non-binary providers. The providers that I have worked with were very compassionate towards their patients.
In addition to the healthcare company that I work for, I also volunteer with my local public health department which is very accepting of non-binary providers.
In addition to the healthcare company that I work for, I also volunteer with my local public health department which is very accepting of non-binary providers.
Sondra Bazzoti
Area Manager Construction and Engineering
3
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Sondra’s Answer
Hi River,
I think Craig gave a very good answer especially as a member of the medical field. I 100% understand your concerns for safety as I am the proud mother of three trans children. Two of which are getting ready to go off to college. We feel they will be safer in more urban areas where there is more diversity. But sadly no matter where you are there is always the chance of getting some ignorance, and or hostility. If you do experience this then be professional and take good care of your patient and who knows maybe they will think differently about non-binary people in the future. I am uncertain about Georgia but in California we are starting to have more gender affirming health care centers. So you could even go into a specialty area that possibly may feel safer for you. Hope that helps! Best of luck to you in your future!
I think Craig gave a very good answer especially as a member of the medical field. I 100% understand your concerns for safety as I am the proud mother of three trans children. Two of which are getting ready to go off to college. We feel they will be safer in more urban areas where there is more diversity. But sadly no matter where you are there is always the chance of getting some ignorance, and or hostility. If you do experience this then be professional and take good care of your patient and who knows maybe they will think differently about non-binary people in the future. I am uncertain about Georgia but in California we are starting to have more gender affirming health care centers. So you could even go into a specialty area that possibly may feel safer for you. Hope that helps! Best of luck to you in your future!