Abstract
There are some studies of the ethical conflicts medical students face generally, but there are no studies that describe the ethical conflicts lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students face by reason of their sexual and/or gender identities. Given the demonstrated presence of hostility toward homosexuality and transgenderism in medical schools, it cannot be assumed that conflicts about sexual and/or gender identities leave no impact on the personal moral development of future physicians or their views of the integrity of the profession as a whole. There is considerable need for study of the effects of homophobia and unsupportive educational environments on the values and ethical commitments of LGBT medical students. This study is important in its own right and not merely in terms of the improvement of patient care, which has usually been the justification for attention to sexual identity in medical school curricula.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual--IV. Washington, DC, 2000.
Ramos MM, Tèllez CM, Palley TB, Umland BE, Skipper BJ. Attitudes of physicians practicing in New Mexico toward gay men and lesbians in the profession. Acad Med 1998;73: 436–38.
Oriel KA, Madlon-Kay DJ, Govaker D, Mersy DJ.Gayand lesbian physicians in training: Family practice program directors’ attitudes and students’ perception of bias. Fam Med 1996; 28:720–25.
Cruz T. Releasing the restraints. J Lesbian Gay Med Assoc 1997;1:51, 52.
Lock J. Strategies for reducing homophobia during medical training. J Lesbian Gay Med Assoc 1998;4:167–74.
Wallick MM, Cambre KM, Townsend MH. How the topic of homosexuality is taught at U.S. medical schools. Acad Med 1992;67:601–03.
Rankow EJ. Lesbian health issues and cultural sensitivity training for providers in the primary care setting: Results of a pilot intervention. J Lesbian Gay Med Assoc 1997;1:227–34.
Wallick MM, Cambre KM, Townsend MH. Influence of a freshman-year panel presentation on medical students’ attitudes toward homosexuality. Acad Med 1995;70:839–41.
Muller MJ, White JC. Medical student attitudes toward homosexuality: Evaluation of a second-year curriculum. J Lesbian Gay Med Assoc 1997;1:155–60.
Heun L, Harter LM, Schambach C. A preliminary study of students: Comfort and preparedness with different types of patient groups. Acad Med 1997;72:559.
Olsen CG, Mann BL. Medical student attitudes on homosexuality and implications for health care. J Lesbian Gay Med Assoc 1997;1:149–54.
Townsend MH, Wallick MM, Cambre KM. Support services for homosexual students at U.S. medical schools. Acad Med 1991;66:361–63.
Townsend MH, Wallick MM, Cambre KM. Follow-up survey of support services for lesbian, gay, and bisexual medical students. Acad Med 1996;71:1012–014.
Wallick MM, Cambre KM, Townsend MH. Freshman students’ attitudes toward homosexuality [letter]. Acad Med 1993;68:357, 358.
Klamen DL, Grossman LS, Kopacz D. Medical student homophobia. J Homosex 1999;37:53–63.
Townsend MH. Supporting lesbian, gay and bisexual medical students: Overcoming the medical closet. J Lesbian Gay Med Assoc 1998;4:177–80.
Christakis DA, Feudtner C. Ethics in a short white coat: The ethical dilemmas that medical students confront. Acad Med 1993;68:249–54.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Murphy, T.F. Commentary: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Medical Students and Their Ethical Conflicts. Journal of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association 5, 31–35 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009542217640
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009542217640