The AMA "Members Move Medicine" series profiles a wide variety of doctors, offering a glimpse into the passions of women and men navigating new courses in American medicine.
On the move with: Carl G. Streed Jr., MD, an internal medicine resident in Boston who works to improve care for LGBTQ patients.
What inspired me to pursue a career in medicine: Initially, I was headed down a laboratory research career in biological chemistry when I started volunteering at a youth shelter counseling homeless youth about sexually transmitted illnesses. I came to see such work as a wedding of my love of the sciences and community service. Medicine became a natural fit after that.
How I move medicine: I move medicine by being an advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) patients and communities.
Career highlights: Receiving recognition from the Obama White House for my advocacy on LGBTQ issues. I've since focused on improving the health and well-being of transgender individuals and have received recognition from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. I've had the most success in achieving measurable change by ensuring patients inform our research and research informs our policies.
Advice I’d give to those interested in pursuing a career in medicine: There is no one best path to becoming a health care professional. Always be prepared to advocate for your patients, and change the system.
Aspect of my work that means the most: My day-to-day connections with patients and families motivate much of my work.
Learn more about AMA members who are relentlessly moving medicine through advocacy, education, patient care and practice innovation, and join or renew today.
