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With all the useful information available on Physicians Practice, it is easy to become overwhelmed.

With this in mind, the tip of the week is a chance to reflect on some of the wisdom found all across the site. In the August 2021 article on building an LGBTQ+ friendly practice, Søren Estvold, MD, MPH writes the following:

During the month of June, many businesses show their support of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer community by flying rainbow flags in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, but what happens during the rest of the year?

• Why Allyship is important - According to a 2018 UCLA Study, 29% of lesbian and bisexual women reported that they delayed seeking healthcare. The same study found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations have poorer health status and more barriers to accessing health care relative to straight women and men.

• The Rainbow Connection - One of the easiest things practitioners can do to create an LGBTQ+ friendly practice is wear something with a rainbow on it or have something in your office with a rainbow on it - even something as small as a pen, poster or a sticker.

• Cultural Competency - Being more inclusive of gender identity is an easy way to update your paperwork to help somebody feel more confident.

Click here to read the rest of the article and be sure to check back next week for another Tip of the Week!