Amber Wright, PA-C, MPAS

Vassar Brothers Medical Center

Amber.Wright@nuvancehealth.org

Bio

Amber E. Wright, PA-C, MPAS is a compassionate cardiology physician assistant. Amber received their Bachelor’s of Science in Physiology and Developmental Biology from Brigham Young University and their Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from Pace University. They have over 10 years of experience in Cardiology, are an advocate and member of the LGBTQIA community, and practice medicine in both English and Mandarin.

Amber believes in a personalized and holistic approach to complex conditions. They celebrate diversity with welcoming warmth and mindful consideration of systemic disparities. Management of cardiac conditions, education, and palliation are some areas of their expertise. Amber has contributed to AMBOSS, a medical knowledge platform, and was a featured artist in a show titled “I Am I” at the Mestizo Institute of Culture and Arts. As a member of the inaugural Patricia A. Tietjen MD, Teaching Academy, they embrace the opportunity to help shape the future of Nuvance Health.

Scholarly Project

Cardiovascular Considerations in the LGBTQIA Population

SCHOLARLY PROJECT
Cardiovascular Considerations in the LGBTQIA Population

Amber Wright, PA-C, MPAS

Patricia A. Tietjen, MD
Teaching Academy, Nuvance Health

PROJECT ABSTRACT

Cardiovascular Considerations in the LGBTQIA Population

It is well documented that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA) populations face more socioeconomic, structural, and healthcare inequities than their heterosexual cisgender counterparts. Increasing evidence suggests a significant disparity in cardiovascular health due to a lack of LGBTQIA cardiovascular medical education in both schools and institutions, discrimination in healthcare (one in five LGBTQIA identifying adults have been denied healthcare by a medical professional), and insufficient cardiovascular risk factor modification. LGBTQIA adults are more than twice-at-risk of cardiovascular disease than heterosexual cisgender counterparts. The purpose of this project was to educate Nuvance Health practitioners about cardiovascular risks and pharmacologic management specific to the LGBTQIA population. This project reviewed current literature and research to develop an introductory course for Hudson Valley Cardiovascular Practice’s physicians and advanced practice providers, as well as Vassar Brothers Medical Center’s emergency room residents, regarding unique considerations in LGBTQIA cardiovascular health management. Practitioner progress in identifying LGBTQIA cardiovascular risk factors, pharmacologic adjustments, and participants’ overall competency is evaluated by pre and post curriculum surveys. Surveys are analyzed to evaluate knowledge gaps for further training and the efficacy of this course. It is anticipated that results will show increased practitioner competency in pharmacologic management, cardiovascular risk stratification, and comfort in general approach to the LGBTQIA population after the educational session. The pre-curriculum survey reveals many practitioners are unfamiliar with LGBTQIA specific cardiac risk factors, cardiac pharmacologic management in LGBTQIA individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and using gender pronouns in the clinical setting. These results indicate a need for additional training of all Nuvance Health providers in order to increase competency, decrease bias and create a more equitable healthcare experience for Hudson Valley’s LGBTQIA community. Integrating LGBTQIA health education into all aspects of curricula and continuing medical education would help students, practitioners, and members across the network make progress towards eliminating LGBTQIA cardiovascular health disparities and position Nuvance Health as a demonstrated leader in the field of more equitable healthcare.