The Offices of Inclusion and Diversity and Student Inclusion and Diversity have collaborated with Wake Forest School of Medicine’s Safe Zone in Medicine team, a student group, to cultivate an inclusive environment that celebrates the diversity of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) community at Wake Forest Baptist Health and within the surrounding  community.

The Safe Zone in Medicine training helps individuals deepen their understanding of LGBTQ+ identities and healthcare-related issues. They build confidence in caring for patients, mentoring students and communicating with colleagues from the LGBTQ+ community, while fostering reflection on topics such as inclusion, discrimination and heteronormative privilege.

Safe Zone in Medicine training consists of an introductory workshop which provides an overview of LGBTQ+ terminology, health disparities and issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. A three-night deeper dive training is also offered. Topics include but are not limited to taking care of transgender patients, intersex health and the coming out process. A rainbow caduceus is given upon completion of this training.

The following Wake Forest Baptist Health providers have completed the Safe Zone in Medicine training:

Emergency Medicine

• Henderson McGinnis, MD 

Endocrinology

• Joseph Aloi, MD 
• Cynthia A. Burns, MD
• K. Patrick Ober, MD

Infectious Diseases

• Katherine Schafer, MD

Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Erica Robinson, MD

Psychiatry and Behavioral Health

• James Kimball, MD

Please email the Office of Inclusion and Diversity, if you are interested in learning more about the Safe Zone in Medicine training.