The AMA Advisory Committee on LGBT Issues conducted a member open forum during its committee meeting on Thursday.
Many topics were discussed including, creation of special interest groups, medical school LGBT curriculum, mentoring and specific advice for LGBT medical students' regarding the Match. The following evening, the advisory committee hosted an engaging and lively LGBT & allies caucus and reception. All attendees were captivated by longtime AMA member and Physician General of Pennsylvania, Rachel Levine, MD.
Dr. Levine detailed her historic ascent as the first state physician general, who happens to be a transgender woman. She shared her unique perspective as a transgender patient, physician and educator. Caucus attendees took advantage of this very unique educational opportunity by asking Dr. Levine several questions about how to best care for transgender adolescents and adults.
The Caucus determined that each of them have an important role to advocate for the equal treatment and consideration of transgender individuals in our health care system.
On Saturday, an educational session titled, “#LoveWins,” was held to inform medical students of appropriate ways to interview and care for LGBT patients. Featured panelists included:
- Nicholas Scanlon, advisory committee member and MSS representative
- Carl J. Streed Jr., MD, advisory committee RFS representative
- Shilpen Patel, MD, American society for radiation oncology delegate
On Monday, the advisory committee hosted a CME educational session, “How to make your practice more LGBT-friendly,” for the AMA House of Delegates featuring Jason Schneider, MD, Emory University; Kimberly Acquaviva, PhD, George Washington University; and Brigid Scarbrough, of the Health Initiative. Attendees engaged with the panelists on issues related to providing a safe LGBT-affirming environment with signage and forms showing appropriate sexual orientation and gender identity.
To learn more about the Advisory Committee on LGBT issues and to access the presentations and list of resources visit the section Webpage or send an email to [email protected] to subscribe to bimonthly updates or to ask the Advisory Committee any questions.
