Financial Aid 
Calendar 
Library 
Directory 
Contact Andrew Rich
“We are all learning. I ask that you give yourselves and each other grace and hold each other accountable for further growth.”
Those words formed the theme of Andrew Rich’s presentation to the MEC about the importance of inclusive healthcare, particularly in regards of trans and queer patients. This informative talk, an Office of DEI Spotlight Event held in collaboration with the MEC, was presented to an in-person and virtual audience on Friday, April 8th.
Andrew Rich (he/him and they/them) is a trans non-binary human, parent, and post-bac pre-med student at the University of Louisville, as well as a graduate student in healthcare ethics. He previously worked as a doula and lactation educator, and hopes to one day become an OBGYN focusing on sexual, reproductive, and gender health for queer, trans, and gender diverse people.
He also has experience as a patient care associate and patient access coordinator and is passionate about improving healthcare outcomes and experiences for LGBTQIA+ people, families, and communities at every level—from paperwork and registration, to clinic and hospital assessment and triage, to medical diagnosis and treatment.
Rich’s talk began by answering an important question: Who are trans and queer patients? In the course of his definition, he explained the biology behind these terms and others relevant to the conversation of sexuality and gender identity, as well as the history of their usage.
Rich then offered detailed guidance on how healthcare providers can make queer and trans patients feel welcome, affirmed, and cared for in a healthcare setting. Some of this touched on obstacles these patients often experience, from injuries being constantly and mistakenly assigned to their identities (“trans broken arm syndrome”) to difficulties accessing insurance coverage. And even if some of these obstacles aren’t preventable, Rich stressed the importance of providers doing their best to make these moments less exclusionary.
The event was recorded and is available to view. To watch a recording of this event (NOTE: this recording is only available for enrolled students and NOVA faculty and staff), visit https://online.nvcc.edu/videoservices/. Click Academic Resources, then SSO Login, log in, and scroll down to DEI-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
NOVA's Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is committed to advancing Inclusive Excellence and improving the well-being and success of all NOVA students, faculty, staff and the greater community. The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion works in collaboration with all aspects of the college community to elevate the acceptance of different ideas, values, beliefs, abilities and perspectives while also advancing equity as aligned with the College's Mission and Strategic Plan and helping to create and sustain a more inclusive and accepting college community.
DEI Spotlight Events are held monthly. For information about other programs by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, please visit https://www.nvcc.edu/diversity, or contact Dr. Nathan Carter at nacarter@nvcc.edu.