With the rise of social media and opportunities to discuss and share news, awareness about gender inequality issues has greatly increased over the past decade. As the fourth wave feminism swept the nation, over four million people participated in the 2017 Women’s March in the Unites States alone. The trans rights movement has also gained momentum over the past decade, with the advent of the first trans March in 2004, the opening of the transgender Law Center in 2002, and the legal extension of the 1964 Civil Rights Act to protect transgender employees in 2012 (“Milestones in the American Transgender Movement”). These events represent great strides in social issues, and many federal laws have changed in the recent years to prohibit discrimination based on sex. However, there are still undeniable instances of gender discrimination and bias within the United States, especially in the healthcare profession. Therefore, this document will address the prevalence of discrimination within the healthcare system and offer some suggestions for medical professionals to use when interacting with patients to minimize discrimination. The relevant statutes and regulations will be analyzed, as well as recent cases and news articles as this is an emerging issue. Sample dialogue passages will also be provided to highlight common ways that discrimination may be perceived. For this article, formal APA citations will be used. Following these recommendations will prevent severe consequences for both the hospital and the patient.
WC:235
Reader’s Profile: I imagine a reader who is a healthcare professional. They may or may not be up to date about current news and regulations concerning sex discrimination. They are educated and have experience in the medical field.
Reader’s Response: I haven’t deeply considered the effect that my word choice or actions might have on a patient. After reading the dialogue, I am a relieved to know how to handle some of these situations that might occur while I am working. However, I don’t like being told that I’m doing my job wrong (they might be a little defensive?). I wish there was more research about programs the hospital can implement to reduce bias among employees.
WC:235
Reader’s Profile: I imagine a reader who is a healthcare professional. They may or may not be up to date about current news and regulations concerning sex discrimination. They are educated and have experience in the medical field.
Reader’s Response: I haven’t deeply considered the effect that my word choice or actions might have on a patient. After reading the dialogue, I am a relieved to know how to handle some of these situations that might occur while I am working. However, I don’t like being told that I’m doing my job wrong (they might be a little defensive?). I wish there was more research about programs the hospital can implement to reduce bias among employees.