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Sexual orientation in the workplace

June 2005

Education of doctors
Vocational training is covered under the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003. Undergraduate education is not covered, however, and the area of medical education does have a critical role in eliminating discrimination against lesbian, gay and bisexual colleagues and patients both by current and future doctors. Education also has a role in breaking down stereotypes and promoting respect for diversity throughout the medical profession. Like anyone, lesbian, gay and bisexual doctors and patients vary in looks, personality, opinions and ambitions.

Diversity awareness is increasingly common in undergraduate medical curricula but race and ethnicity tend to be the main focus, with sexual orientation omitted. Sexual orientation is often discussed in the context of HIV, psychiatry or genitourinary medicine. It is not appropriate for these to be the only areas, and could reinforce negative stereotypes and assumptions. The BMA has recommended that it is best to integrate teaching about homosexuality into the curriculum rather than defining it in contrast to a normative standard of heterosexuality. Shifting the medical education agenda in order to integrate sexual orientation more appropriately may be beneficial in changing attitudes and behaviour within the profession. Some medical schools have already revised the methods they use to educate students about sexuality. There are opportunities for introducing sexual orientation into the curriculum in innovative and creative ways. GLADD has devised an example of curriculum aims and some suggested activities that can be used as a foundation. This can be accessed on their website. [Go to reference 23].

It is important for healthcare professionals to develop communication skills, such as how to be receptive and responsive. Students can be taught how to present themselves as non-judgemental about sexuality, privacy and vulnerability, allowing patients to feel comfortable speaking with their doctor about sensitive and personal issues. [Go to reference 40]. It is important for students to be provided with
opportunities to explore their views or apprehensions about dealing with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients or colleagues. Medical educators will need training and support, both to ensure their own views are non-discriminatory and so that they know how to deal with any students expressing homophobic attitudes. It is very important that students and doctors realise that whatever their personal views, they must not demonstrate negative attitudes towards lesbian, gay or bisexual colleagues or patients.