Lernik Herabidian of USC Verdugo Hills Hospital (from left) joined Cheryl Boyd, Amy Hartnett and Marcia Penido of Huntington Memorial Hospital at Nov. 7’s session on transgender patient care.

On Nov. 7, 15 health care professionals earned Transgender Healthcare Dignity Model certification through HASC’s second session, presented by Dr. Kristie Overstreet. A board-certified transgender care therapist, Overstreet developed the specialized course to help nurses, doctors and allied health professionals understand the breadth of transgender health needs — and become more sensitive and effective health care providers. 

Working with people who have complex relationships with their gender and sexuality can lead to missteps that create barriers for professionals. “It only takes one roll of the eyes, one snicker” to move a patient from a comfort zone to a place of discomfort and mistrust, Overstreet explained.

Overstreet also reviewed vocabulary and scenarios that course participants may have been unfamiliar with, building understanding through discussion.

“Attendees will appreciate the open dialogue and welcoming tone Dr. Overstreet brings to the subject,” said Cheryl Boyd, a clinical nurse specialist at Huntington Memorial Hospital. “The course is a very helpful introduction to transgender issues, and it motivated me to learn more and become a better care provider.”

If you are interested in bringing the program onsite to your facility, please contact Jamila Mayers, HASC education program director.

Contact:
Jamila Mayers
(213) 538-0739
jmayers@hasc.org