Ethics

Why transgender patients need a welcoming medical environment

. 3 MIN READ
By
Timothy M. Smith , Contributing News Writer

Transgender patients look to physicians and other health professionals for respect and understanding about their gender identities, but discrimination in clinical settings continues to affect both transgender patients’ access to care and the quality of care they receive. This month’s AMA Journal of Ethics considers the nature and scope of medicine’s obligations to respond to these trends and highlights how “gender-affirming care” can improve critical health outcomes.

Take a moment to consider this scenario: Should a psychiatrist agree to develop expertise in hormone therapy if longtime patients ask the psychiatrist to manage this aspect of their gender transition?

A. Yes

B. No

C. Only if there are no available local endocrinologists

Give your answer and find responses to this poll in the November issue of the AMA Journal of Ethics, which explores strategies for understanding and caring for transgender patients.

Articles include:

In the journal’s November podcast, Aron Janssen, MD, a clinical assistant professor at New York University School of Medicine and the director of the Gender and Sexuality Service at NYU Langone Medical Center’s Child Study Center, discusses how health professionals can better serve their transgender patients.

The journal’s editorial focus is on commentaries and articles that offer practical advice and insights for medical students and physicians. Submit your work for publication.

The November issue of the journal also features opinions from the revised AMA Code of Medical Ethics related to discrimination and disparities in health care. The Code of Medical Ethics recently underwent a comprehensive modernization, resulting in greater relevance, clarity and consistency.

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