In this conversation, Dr. Arlie Millard, a naturopathic doctor and LGBTQIA+ wellness expert, shares her insights on creating inclusive healthcare practices. She discusses her personal experiences with misgendering during treatment and emphasizes the importance of understanding both the practitioner and patient perspectives. Dr. Millard advocates for cultural humility over cultural competency, encouraging practitioners to listen and learn from their patients' experiences. She provides practical steps for healthcare providers to improve inclusivity and highlights the ongoing journey of learning and adapting in the field of healthcare.
Takeaways
o The dual perspective of clinician and patient enhances understanding.
o Misgendering can significantly impact patient comfort and care.
o Practitioners should not place the burden of inclusivity on patients.
o Cultural humility is essential in understanding diverse identities.
o Practitioners need to practice inclusive language and approaches.
o Fear of making mistakes should not prevent practitioners from trying.
o Inclusivity in healthcare is a continuous learning process.
o Patients deserve to see practitioners who understand their identities.
o Listening to patients enhances the therapeutic relationship.
o Resources and training are available to support practitioners in inclusivity.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Arlie Millard and Her Work
02:04 Personal Experiences with Misgendering in Healthcare
12:46 The Role of Practitioners in LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity
20:19 Cultural Humility vs. Cultural Competency
26:22 Overcoming the Fear of Missteps in Inclusivity
46:17 Practical Steps for Practitioners to Improve Inclusivity
About Dr. Millyard, she/her
Dr. Arlie Millyard (she/her) is a naturopathic doctor, LGBTQ2SIA+ wellness expert, and co-founder of Heal All Consulting. Arlie helps health and wellness practitioners build more inclusive practices, so they can impact more lives. With over 12 years of lived, research, and clinical experience, Arlie brings a deep understanding of both the practitioner’s and the patient’s perspective to the table, promoting clearer communication, increased trust, and better clinical outcomes for LGBTQ2SIA+ patients and their providers. Arlie is loved for her use of relatable storytelling to help practitioners become inclusive and affirming healers through her social media, workshops, and online courses.
Contact: hello@arliemillyard.ca
IG, Facebook: @healallconsulting
Resources noted in today’s show:
What Doctors Say, What Patients Hear by Danielle Ofri, MD
Gilbert C, Millyard A. Putting Risk Factors in Context: an Anti-Oppression Approach. CANDJ [Internet]. 2021 Jun. 8 [cited 2025 Jan. 3];28(1):25-31. Available from: https://candjournal.ca/index.php/candj/article/view/17
FREE checklist: https://healallconsulting.ca/checklist