In celebration of National Health Center Week 2018, which runs from August 12-18, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has created a display recognizing Health Care Heroes – extraordinary staff at its affiliated health centers. We’re excited that BIDMC has chosen to spotlight Ruben Hopwood, PhD, Coordinator of the Transgender Health Program at Fenway Health.
Ruben has been at Fenway since 2006. He has a BS from Central Missouri State University, a Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology, and a PhD from Boston University. His clinical interests include transgender care, masculinity, aging, and spirituality and religion.
The Transgender Health Program at Fenway Health provides support and care to patients with gender concerns. The program also supports Fenway Health staff and providers by offering trainings on sensitivity in caring for gender diverse populations.
Transgender patients face a number of challenges in accessing health care. These challenges may include, but are not limited to, traveling far distances for care, medical record and legal name documentation, and issues with housing, employment, discrimination, and social supports.
“Improving access to excellent and relevant health care generally improves anyone’s life and well- being, and the gender diverse patient population is no exception,” said Hopwood. “When we are able to provide excellent, gender-affirming care and model empathy and respect that normalizes the challenges of experiencing and treating gender dysphoria, we are able to offer patients and families a way to improve health and decrease stress and the impact of stigma and discrimination in their lives. This leads to improved quality of life and reduced health disparities. Everyone benefits.”
Please join us in congratulating Ruben on this recognition.
For more information on the services offered by our Transgender Health Program, please email transhealth@fenwayhealth.org.