The Importance of Inclusive Healthcare

“We are all learning. I ask that you give yourselves and each other grace and hold each other accountable for further growth.”

Those words formed the theme of Andrew Rich’s presentation to the Medical Education Campus about the importance of inclusive healthcare, particularly in regard to trans and queer patients. This event, an Office of DEI Spotlight Event held in collaboration with the MEC, was presented to an in-person and virtual audience on Friday, April 8.

Andrew Rich (he/him and they/them) is a trans non-binary human, parent and post-bacc pre-med student at the University of Louisville, as well as a graduate student in healthcare ethics. He previously worked as a doula and lactation educator, and hopes to one day become an OB/GYN focusing on sexual, reproductive and gender health for queer, trans and gender-diverse people.

He also has experience as a patient care associate and patient access coordinator, and he is passionate about improving healthcare outcomes and experiences for LGBTQIA+ people, families and communities at every level—from paperwork and registration; to clinic, hospital assessment and triage; to medical diagnosis and treatment.

Rich’s talk began by answering an important question: “Who are trans and queer patients?” In the course of his definition, he explained the biology behind these terms and others relevant to the conversation of sexuality and gender identity, as well as the history of their usage.

Rich then offered detailed guidance on how healthcare providers can make queer and trans patients feel welcome, affirmed and cared for in a healthcare setting. Some of this touched on obstacles these patients often experience, from injuries being constantly and mistakenly assigned to their identities (“trans broken arm syndrome”) to difficulties accessing insurance coverage. And even if some of these obstacles aren’t preventable, Rich stressed the importance of providers doing their best to make these moments less exclusionary.

The event was recorded and is available to view. To watch the recording, which is only available for enrolled students and NOVA faculty and staff, visit https://online.nvcc.edu/videoservices/. Click Academic Resources, log in and scroll down to “DEI-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.”

NOVA’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is committed to advancing Inclusive Excellence and improving the well-being and success of all NOVA students, faculty, staff and the greater community. The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion works in collaboration with all aspects of the college community to elevate the acceptance of different ideas, values, beliefs, abilities and perspectives while also advancing equity as aligned with the College’s Mission and Strategic Plan and helping to create and sustain a more inclusive and accepting college community.

Submitted by:
Ed Aymar, DEI Communications Coord., EAymar@nvcc.edu