Where wouldn't you go if you were me?

[Kate D]

I'm a lesbian IMG (with a green card). I have a partner and two kids.

I'm applying for lots of IM programs in MA, NY, CT, NJ, PA, DC and a few other New England states and also in Chicago. I'm primarily applying to less-competitive community hospitals, but some university programs too.

Here's my question: What programs or towns do you think would not be good for me and my family?
Should I assume that hospitals with religious affiliations would be unwelcoming or doesn't it matter?
What do you think of weeding out homophobic programs by mentioning my orientation in my PS/LOR?

Thanks!

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[GeneGoddess]

I wouldn't mention your sexual orientation in your PS (I didn't mention my spouse), but that's just because I don't find it necessary. I would assume that some hospitals might have a prejudice against you (those affiliated with certain churches, etc), but not always. I'm in Texas, which is always protrayed as backwards, racist, and homophobic (though most people I meet here are not). If I were you, I would apply to programs that you are interested in. If they aren't interested in you just because you are gay, that's THEIR loss and not yours.

Good luck!

 

[NinerNiner999]

Ask your nurses where you work. Odds are they have friends who are gay and/or lesbian and also nurses at other cities and would know first hand through the underground "nurse network" where the gay and lesbian-friendly hospitals are.

 

[beyond all hope]

Agree with previous poster. Ask people who will tell it to you straight: med students not going into the specialty you are applying to, nurses, former residents.

I have been in two training programs: one has openly homosexual residents who seem quite comfortable with their situation, and another where a lesbian was driven out of the program because of intolerance (and other factors).

Also, when you get where you're going, I wouldn't scream out your orientation in the halls. Let people come to the realization at their own pace. Even very open minded places still have closed-minded people. As unfortunate as it is, in medicine it's better to stay on the down-low with anything that's remotely radical or countercultural.