Advancing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Ophthalmology

Andrew T. Duong, Janice C. Law, David A. Ramirez, Fasika Woreta, Grace Sun*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalEditorialpeer-review

4 Scopus citations
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1232-1234
Number of pages3
JournalOphthalmology
Volume129
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2022

Funding

Nationwide, the importance of LGBTQ+ DEI in medicine has been increasingly recognized. In 2014, the Association of American Medical Colleges introduced questions on SOGI in its annual matriculating student questionnaire. The 2021 survey revealed that 14% of matriculating medical students identified as LGBTQ+.11 These questions have enabled investigators to examine barriers LGBTQ+ medical students face.2,3 In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Neurology have established LGBTQ+ sections with the dual aim of improving care for LGBTQ+ patients and supporting LGBTQ+ physicians.12,13 Through the establishment of online communities and events at national conferences, such sections have allowed for increased collaboration among LGBTQ+ providers and allies. Other fields, including neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery, have also recognized LGBTQ+ diversity as important and have suggested diversity initiatives to include the LGBTQ+ community.14,15 A growing number of medical schools and hospitals have created OutLists (opt-in, online directories of sexual and gender minorities and/or allies) to provide mentorship opportunities and a shared space to discuss LGBTQ+ disparities within medicine.16 Similar efforts are needed in ophthalmology to advance LGBTQ+ DEI in ophthalmology.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

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