LGBTQ+ Families Shouldn’t Have to Rely on Luck Finding a Great Doctor 

Quality medical care. Today, this statement is at the forefront of discussions across the country. But, what makes a doctor a “good” doctor”? There are so many things things that go into this answer and some of them are personal, it depends upon the person to whom the question is posed.

While technical capacity is critical (nobody wants to work with a doctor who is not knowledgable and skilled) it is not the sole factor that makes a doctor “good”.  And, what works for you and your family can sometimes be very different than what is appropriate and valuable for someone else and theirs. 

LGBTQ+ Families Finding the Right Doctor For Them

LGBTQ families across the country (and around the world) have added challenges when selecting a doctor. And sometimes, it can be difficult to find a professional whose style and experience match their needs.  Luckily, this problem has been recognized and a number of organizations have devoted considerable time and energy to both educating doctors and assisting members of the LGBTQ community in identifying the best practioner for their families. 

First of all,  pediatricians should be educated on the best ways to treat children with gay parents and to provide healthcare service to youth who identify as LGBTQ.  While there are a host of issues related to emotional well-being, it is also critical that physicians are aware of the best ways to address very specific issues including, but not limited to, gender identity.

Parents who identify as LGBTQ and/or who have children who do are well aware of the need for caring and knowledgeable doctors. But, many don’t know how to find them. Some tips for identifying the best doctors include doing some research.

First, review office websites and literature. Today, many physicians have websites and printed materials that describe and welcome you to their practice.  Take a close look.  Do the families look like yours or others in the LGBTQ community?  Is the language friendly? Things like the use of gender-neutral pronouns are a sign that the practice is welcoming and equipped to work with your family.

Additionally, if you are looking for a new family doctor, schedule an interview. Yes, just like you did when you were looking for a doctor for your infant.  You want to be able to talk to the physician and get a handle on how they will interact and treat lgbtq+ families. The bottom line is that quality medical care is critical and personal. Make an investment of your time to help find the best doctor for your family.