A Gay Patient's Experience at the Doctor

"While getting my hair cut today, my hairdresser Tom and I got into a conversation on how people choose their doctors," says Trisha Torrey, About.com Guide to Patient Empowerment. "Tom, who is gay (and who gave me permission to tell you about this conversation) shared his experience with one of his doctors."

Trisha goes on to tell Tom's story:

"At an appointment for a checkup, the doctor asked Tom, "These records say that in 1987, you claimed to be homosexual. Is that still true? "Tom was floored by the question. But he realized that the doctor, who was Catholic, could not get beyond his religion to understand Tom's sexuality. "Tom changed doctors and now sees an internist who is also gay. Tom says he is much more comfortable and trusting of this doctor."

Unfortunately, Tom's story is not uncommon amongst gay patients seeking medical care. Trisha goes on explain how a "wise patient knows how to sort out the best doctors, then either find commonalities, or respect the differences." Your comfort as a patient is very important when choosing a doctor. I've compiled some tips to help you find a gay-affirmative doctor. Trisha has also written an in-depth article on choosing the right doctor for you.

_{Image © Sanja Gjenero.}