Fear of ostracism still silences some gay MDs, students

"Coming out" remains a very major decision for a gay or lesbian medical student. Canadian students interviewed for this article say they have feared being ostracized by their peers or encountering bias among older faculty members. A recent survey by the US-based Gay and Lesbian Medical Association found that 59% of gay and lesbian physician and medical student respondents have experienced job-related discrimination because of their sexuality. However, other gay/lesbian physicians and students are finding that their coming out is being greeted with tolerance, acceptance and understanding.