Early in my practice, a dad brought his newly adopted son to become my patient. He was overjoyed and humbled by this new role as a single father and eagerly soaked up all the pediatric advice I offered. For the first several years his dad was the only person that brought him for checkups. As time went on, I learned that he was in a committed relationship with another man, but because they were both men, they hesitated to come to their son’s appointments together out of fear for how they might be treated.

I was happy that they felt comfortable with me to entrust that information. Our understanding led to many more appointments with everyone present and involved. Helping this family raise a talented, beloved child, was especially gratifying to me. They were excellent parents who tried hard to encourage their child to see the good in others.

Although they never told me about their troubles raising their child in Indianapolis, they ultimately decided to move to the west coast when the child was 12 years old. By being their child’s pediatrician, I was able to recognize the disparities they alluded to when we first met. Access to quality, compassionate medical care should not be determined by sexual orientation of any kind, and I welcome this opportunity to join OutCare.