Fear of being stigmatized by healthcare professionals is a barrier for many patients who are members of the LGBT community — it’s one of the most-reported reasons transgender individuals do not go to the doctor.

A peer advocacy volunteer group at Vanderbilt University Medical Center plans to change that through a pilot program called Trans Buddy. Program founder, Kale Edmiston said: “I want transgender patients to know that they can come to Vanderbilt and be treated with respect. Through Trans Buddy, patients will have the support of someone they can relate to and trust.”

Trans Buddy will provide support services during primary care, clinic, and specialty appointments as well as have an on-call service for emergent care. Read More