A routine visit with a transgender patient

“Hey, Rick. They warned you about me, I hope?” My routine med student opening line elicits a slight smile from my balding forty-two-year-old patient and the patient’s wife. As we shake hands, I continue the script. “I’m Nat — the medical student. What brings you in today?” “Well, I’d like to transfer my care to this clinic. We’ve brought my medical records.” Together, they heave stacks of papers onto the desk. Rick’s hands slide back into the pockets of well-worn work jeans. “Can you tell me a bit about yourself?” Classic open-ended question. “Well, I’ve been seeing specialists for years about my headaches. That explains most of the paperwork. High blood pressure and high cholesterol. Plus my family has a bunch of cancers.” “And what pronouns do you prefer?” Here’s where the script deviates from the medical school boilerplate. “He/him for now, I guess. I wrote ‘male-to-female’ on the intake form, but I’m not really thinking about that part of my life much until I get this pain under control.” “We do use she/her at home, though,” says Rick’s wife, obvious affection in her voice. She is a blond woman in her mid-thirties; her warm expression and personality make the room feel less clinical. “But no rush. Whenever he’s ready. I just want Rick to feel supported. We’ve struggled to get him good health c...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Education Medical school Source Type: blogs