#trans buddy program

I have learned more about structural competency, which is a lens I try to conduct my public health work through, how medical schools and hospitals run, more about the trans* community in the South and rural regions, Nashville, how to complete an IRB and conduct other research, and most importantly how to be a trans buddy (patient peer advocate).

I have had a lot of various opportunities while here as well. I have been able to participate in community outreach, research, and clinical care. All three of these aspects I am interested in and am grateful that I have have been able to do each. Some of the community outreach I participated in was going to PFLAG meetings and presenting at Meharry Medical College. While both groups had people in them that were either struggling with their child’s identity or unfamiliar with the LGBTQIA community, they both made an effort and were open to learning. Something else I think helped my experience was that everyone I have interacted with either at Vanderbilt or in the surrounding community has been welcoming. In regards to research, the Interns have been writing papers, analyzing data sets, collecting data, and submitting proposals. We have worked a professor from a different department, who has not only been friendly but bestowed on us academic advice as well. For clinical work, most of my Trans Buddy calls were in regards to resources so I did not actually attend many appointments or ER visits. However, I did shadow in the Emergency Department. All of the residents, nurses, attending physicians, paramedics, and other employees were friendly, welcoming, willing to let me watch everything, and were will to explain things to me. Even though things got pretty intense, I still have a good time and learned a lot. I also appreciate the patients allowing me to observe their care.

Other opportunities that I have had here were going to the Philly Trans Health Conference, meeting various highly accomplished people such as Dr. Harvey Makadon from Fenway Health, Dr. Marisa Richmond (who is also pro at feminist trivia), and my three supervisors. I also went to the Nashville LGBT Mayoral Forum.

I also want to thank Civil Liberties and Public Policy (CLPP) and the Reproductive Rights Activist Service Corp (RRASC) Internship Program for this opportunity and for their support.