Commenting on the British Medical Association report on LGBTQ+ doctors’ experiences, Dr Gordon McDavid, medico-legal adviser at MDDUS said:
“The results of the BMA’s latest report show that we have a long way to go to make the medical profession a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ doctors.
“From personal experience as a gay man, I still hesitate before answering questions like 'What does your wife do?' You never know how a colleague or patient is going to react when you tell them you have a husband.
“Given that nearly all LGBQ+ respondents to the BMA survey (94 per cent) reported having heard or overheard homophobic or biphobic ‘jokes’ or ‘banter’, it’s unsurprising that many hesitate before 'out-ing' themselves at work. We welcome the BMA’s recommendation that more education and visibility is needed to help combat this sort of culture.
“It's heartening to see that many doctors think that the medical profession has, overall, become more inclusive of LGBTQ+ people in the last five years. Healthcare professionals deserve to feel safe, comfortable and supported enough to be themselves in all aspects of their lives – including at work.
“I hope for a future where everyone working in the caring profession is truly supportive to all colleagues and patients, ensuring everyone can feel safe and access care they need without fear of discrimination, or worse.”
ENDS
The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) is a mutual organisation that protects the professional interests of more than 54,000 doctors and dentists across the United Kingdom, offering access to indemnity, support and legal advice.
For further information please contact Lisa Walker, communications manager, on lwalker@mddus.com or 07976 886552.
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