Shayne graduated from medical school in May of 2017 and is presently enrolled in the Post-Graduate Medical Education Program at the University of Manitoba, in the Rural Family Medicine Stream. The research project for which he received this award was not a part of his formal studies, but instead developed after a variety of concerns were raised to me by members of the LGBTQ+ Mentorship Group (which he co-founded and co-leads).
Multiple students of his shared significant concerns about their sexual and/or gender identity and how it might impact their career as a physician, and that’s when the ball got rolling! Now, there is a large team led by a leader in Community Health Sciences, and together they will find solutions to these issues.
The overarching objective of his award-winning research was to undertake an exploratory study to fill a significant gap in knowledge about the workplace environment for LGBTQ+ people who provide essential healthcare services to Manitobans. Based on this knowledge and in community and regional partnership, the research strives to develop strategies to ensure an atmosphere of safety and respect for LGBTQ+ Health Practitioners.
And, according to a bio recently published for the Distinguished Alumni Award he will be receiving:
“Dr. Shayne Reitmeier [BSc(Maj)/13, MD/17] has demonstrated a passion for Canada’s historically oppressed and under-served communities. His efforts created safe spaces for while dispelling myths against LGBTTQI* individuals on campus. Beyond this, he pioneered research that focuses on the unique experiences of LGBTTQI* patients and health-care professionals. His efforts to change the face of healthcare have been acknowledged on a community, provincial, and national level, including recognition from the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. He is now a a rural resident physician in family medicine.”
CONGRATS, Shayne! You’re doing us very proud