LGBTQ Health
At Summa Health, we provide high-quality, compassionate care for all patients regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We understand that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) community has unique health needs and deserves equal, respectful and knowledgeable care.
LGBTQ Health Concerns
Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals have special health in addition to those that affect most men and women. Click here to find information about these specific health issues.
LGBTQ Patient Rights & Responsibilities
Learn more about the rights and responsibilities of Summa Health patients at http://www.summahealth.org/patientvisitor/Patients/patientrights.
Meet the Team
Justin Catlett, M.D.
Family Medicine
Arjun Sunny Dhoopar, M.D.
Family Medicine
Pamela Drummond-Day, M.D.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Andrea Jopperi, D.O.
Family Medicine
Behavioral Health
Bryan O’Connell, M.D.
Internal Medicine
Christina Rowan, Ph.D.
Behavioral Medicine
Beena Persaud, Ph.D.
Behavioral Health
Kim Oney, Ph.D.
Behavioral Health
Gregory D. Roulette, M.D.
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Internal Medicine
LGBTQ Visitation
Summa Health respects the rights of patients to designate visitors, regardless of whether the visitors are legally related to the patients. Reference to family refers to family as defined by the patient. Visitation privileges will not be denied on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or disability.
Tips for Healthcare Providers
- Educate yourself. Learn about the specific health issues facing LGBTQ people.
- Be sensitive. Make sure you and your staff know which pronouns are appropriate to use when referring to a transgender patient or same-sex couple.
- Present visual cues. Displaying an HRC equal sign or other LGBTQ-friendly emblem will demonstrate that your office is a safe space for all.
- Revise client forms. Allow options for male/female/transgender and use neutral terms like “partner” or “spouse” rather than “single,” “married” or “divorced.” Use “parent 1” and “parent 2” to include same-sex couples raising children.
- Don’t assume. Avoid making assumptions about a patient based on their appearance.
- When taking a sexual history, ask, “Are your current or past sexual partners men, women or both?”
- Listen attentively. Be sensitive to the fact that this disclosure may be difficult for your patients.
*Tips borrowed from the National LGBTQ Health Education Center: https://www.hrc.org/resources/coming-out-to-your-doctor