U.S. medical schools boost LGBTQ students, doctor training

Exact numbers of LGBTQ medical students and doctors are unknown. In 2018, the AMA added sexual orientation and gender identity as an option for members to include in demographic profiles the group compiles. Of the 15,000 doctors and students who have volunteered that information so far, about 4% identify as LGBTQ. That’s similar to Gallup estimates for the general U.S. population, although LGBTQ advocates believe the numbers are higher and rising as more people are willing to “out” themselves.

This past fall, Harvard’s entering class of medical students was 15% LGBTQ, a milestone that is no accident.

Associated Press, U.S. medical schools boost LGBTQ students, doctor training, By Lindsey Tanner, February 20, 2020

LGBTQ&A: Building a Foundation for Understanding and Care

June is LGBTQ Pride Month, a good time to better understand the health and wellness concerns of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community. A panel of experts from Harvard Medical School will share research and experiences with LGBTQ patients, answer questions about health disparities, and discuss the importance of social supports and how to foster an inclusive environment that is welcoming to all.

Career Progression in Academic Medicine: Perspectives from Junior Faculty Women of Color

Women of color continue to be particularly underrepresented in academic medicine, and yet there is a dearth of research about this group’s specific needs. This qualitative study provides insights on how WOC junior faculty experience career progression. We hope that this study will help minority women and institutions identify ways to overcome these barriers, so that ultimately, women and men of all backgrounds are able to progress in their academic careers while also achieving their personal goals and meaningfully contributing to their institutional missions.

Author Caterina F. Hill is Research Associate for the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Author Emorcia V. Hill is Director of Research and Evaluation in the Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership at Harvard Medical School. Author Michael Wake is Program Manager in the Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership at Harvard Medical School. Author Stacy Blake-Beard is Professor and CGO Faculty Affiliate at the Simmons School of Management. Author Jessica Halem is an MBA student and Research Assistant at the Simmons School of Management. Author Joan Y. Reede is Associate Professor and Dean for Diversity and Community Partnership at Harvard Medical School.