Gay And Lesbian Medical Association To Survey Physicians On Health Care Needs Of LGBT Patients

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 27 Sep 2007 - 13:00 PDT

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The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) announced they will conduct a national survey to study physicians' attitudes, knowledge and beliefs about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients' unique health care needs. The AMA is supporting this effort with a $100,000 grant to GLMA. The survey, of a random sample of U.S. physicians and a survey of LGBT-identified physicians, will be fielded in early 2008.

"Many physicians do not have all the tools and knowledge they need to address the health needs of their LGBT patients," said GLMA Executive Director Joel Ginsberg. "This survey will give us the best information available to date about physician attitudes and knowledge with respect to LGBT patients."

LGBT persons experience a range of health disparities related to societal stress and stigma, including higher rates of depression and smoking than in the general population. Ginsberg continued, "We very much appreciate the opportunity to work with AMA and their willingness to underwrite this crucial research. The AMA truly is committed to improving health care for LGBT Americans, whose needs have long been overlooked."

"As we work to improve health care for all patients, these are important issues to study," said AMA Board Member, Andrew Gurman, M.D. "The survey results are intended to help us identify ways to improve care for LGBT patients and assess the work environments of LGBT physicians. The AMA is pleased to support GLMA's efforts with this grant."

The American Medical Association (AMA) helps doctors help patients by uniting physicians nationwide to work on the most important professional and public health issues. Working together, the AMA's quarter of a million physician and medical student members are playing an active role in shaping the future of medicine. For more information on the AMA, please visit http://www.ama-assn.org.

The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) is the world's largest association of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) healthcare professionals. For 25 years, GLMA has been working to ensure equality in healthcare for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and healthcare professionals through advocacy, education, research and referrals. For more information about GLMA, please visit http://www.glma.org.