I was referred here by another provider who has patients who have positive experiences with Anchor…read moreHealth Initiative (AHI). At first, I was slightly nervous to see a new HT provider, as I already was established elsewhere. Even if elsewhere wasn't quite meeting my needs, I already had a surgeon referral from them that I wanted to maintain.
From my first conversation with the appointment setter on the phone, I felt at ease. The person on the phone was knowledgeable, articulate, polite, cheerful, & showed compassion and empathy. I was quickly set up for two appointments- one for HT with Sharon, & an upcoming one with Melissa.
Now my appointments were set, I set on a little research expedition by scouring their practice's website & patient portal. This place almost seemed too good to be true. Like, is there really a practice that is meant for LGBTQ+ healthcare? Yeah, pinch yourself real quick, because it's for real. The website is clad in affirming pride flags, inclusive pronouns, & (almost) too good to be true claims of inclusivity, respect, & a genuine passion to provide compassionate healthcare for LGBTQ patients. Now that I've had an appointment, I know the claims aren't just lip service. AHI is legitimately a multispecialty practice made for the LGBTQ+ community by LGBTQ+ health professionals.
Until you've experienced the extreme difference between a practice run by LGBTQ+ professionals versus well meaning allies, it may seem like the differences would be nice, but nominal or not necessary to a good experience. I know I definitely didn't think there would be much of a difference. But, the differences are immense. The differences involve a primary concerted focus on patient respect- respecting their identity, pronouns, name, health & social history, sexuality, & health goals- genuinely & without judgment. Everyone from the appointment setters to nurses to the doctors understand how important it is for their patients to feel respected and understood, especially their transgender patients like myself who are used to negative experiences regarding our medical care.
Meeting with Sharon was a great experience. She was personable- friendly, respectful, attentive, & approachable. she reassured me that I am allowed to have boundaries and refuse to answer anything I didn't feel comfortable answering. But, honestly, Sharon is so great at what she does that any nervous feelings were alleviated quickly. As the appointment went on, she proved herself to be knowledgeable and confident in her experience with hormone therapy. I was finally able to get answers regarding my therapy that went unanswered for so long.
I totally recommend AHI to any transgender, queer, or otherwise LGBTQ patients looking for gender affirming/ sexual health/ gyn/ primary care/ prescriptions in an atmosphere that is legitimately inclusive, because those who work there truly care about us.
