OpenHealth Q&A

Unexpected Reactions During My Recent Doctor’s Visit

At 25 years old, standing at 5 feet 5 inches and weighing 130 pounds, I identify as a white trans man and have been living with type 1 diabetes since I was six. After several years without a primary care physician, I finally received an opportunity as a new patient at a nearby clinic, so I scheduled an introductory appointment. Initially, everything seemed routine. A nurse measured my height, weight, and blood pressure, before the doctor entered the room. I found his demeanor somewhat abrupt, though it didn't come off as outright impolite. He proceeded to ask typical questions regarding my medications and surgical history. I had to ask him to repeat himself a couple of times due to a lack of clarity in his speech, which seemed to irritate him. Then he started typing on the computer, sighed, and stated, "So you’re transgender and also a type 1 diabetic. That’s quite a lot for me to manage." At first, I thought he was making a strange joke and chuckled awkwardly. However, upon realizing he was serious, I felt perplexed. In response, I explained that I have an endocrinologist who is responsible for my diabetes management and testosterone prescriptions, seeing him regularly, which should minimize the doctor's need to engage with those specifics. He responded by admitting that managing care for a diabetic transgender patient was outside his expertise, suggesting I find a physician more suited to my needs. As he opened the door for me to leave, I exited in a state of bewilderment without further comment. That appointment was three days ago, and it keeps replaying in my mind. The feeling of being rejected as a patient is disheartening, and I can't quite comprehend the reasons behind it. I’ve gone over every moment in my mind, questioning if I had acted in any way that might have put him off, but I genuinely don’t believe I did anything wrong. My medical background is uncomplicated aside from my diabetes, which is well-managed with consistently low HbA1c levels. I see myself as a thoughtful patient—typically succinct and courteous. My endocrinologist often jokes that I am his favorite patient, to which I banter back that he likely says that to everyone. Also, while I work in healthcare as a lab technician, I recognize that this experience doesn’t provide me with insights into a physician's mindset. Should I accept his claim about lacking the expertise to handle my diabetes and transgender status, perceiving that he could not provide adequate care? Yet, considering diabetes is a prevalent condition, how can he choose to reject every patient dealing with it? Could this rejection be rooted more in my gender identity than in my medical condition? While I know this situation isn’t of critical importance, I feel compelled to understand it better. I'm hoping those of you in the medical field might shed some light on what occurred that I might be overlooking.

Answers (1)

7/1/2025, 1:50:48 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel upset and confused after such an experience, especially when seeking care that feels affirming and competent. Your encounter seems to reflect both a lack of professionalism from the physician and a potential misunderstanding of your healthcare needs. Let's break down the situation and explore the next steps.

Main Points:

1. The doctor's comments and approach were unprofessional and inappropriate.
2. It's essential to ensure you receive competent and affirming healthcare tailored to your needs.
3. You have options for finding a more suitable healthcare provider.

Explanation:

From your description, it seems the doctor was not effectively equipped to handle your specific healthcare needs as a transgender individual living with diabetes. This can stem from a lack of training or awareness about the unique healthcare intersections within LGBTQ+ communities. It's also concerning that he suggested you find someone else instead of attempting to engage with your health needs or learn how to support you better.

Feeling rejected as a patient is totally natural after an encounter like this. It reflects more on the physician’s limitations than on your worthiness as a patient. It’s important to remember that you deserve compassionate and knowledgeable care.

Next Steps:

1. Reflect and Process: Allow yourself some time to process your feelings. It's normal to feel confused or rejected, and speaking about your experience with trusted friends or support groups can help.

2. Seek Another Provider: Look for a healthcare provider with experience in transgender health and managing chronic conditions like diabetes. Resources such as local LGBTQ+ centers, transgender health networks, or directories (like the WPATH directory) can suggest providers known for their competence in these areas.

3. Prepare for Future Appointments: When visiting a new doctor, you might bring notes summarizing your health history and current treatments. This can help ensure clear communication and let you guide the conversation in a way that feels comfortable.

4. Advocate for Yourself: If you ever encounter a provider who makes you feel uncomfortable or not understood, remember it is your right to seek care elsewhere. You are your best advocate.

5. Consider Feedback: If you feel comfortable, you might consider giving feedback to the clinic about your experience. Constructive feedback can help enhance training and awareness for the healthcare staff.

Remember that your identity and health status are valid, and you deserve a supportive healthcare environment. It might take some time to find the right provider, but it’s worth the effort for your well-being. If you have any other questions or need further support, feel free to reach out.