Shail Maingi, M.D., of St. Peter’s Medical Oncology/Hematology, a practice of St. Peter’s Health Partners Medical Associates, published an article in the May 2018 issue of Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.
The article, titled “Current Best Practices for Sexual and Gender Minorities in Hospice and Palliative Care Settings,” examines gaps in knowledge surrounding end-of-life care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals.
Dr. Maingi and her study co-authors, Arthur E. Bagabag, M.D., and Sean O’Mahony, MB, BCh BAO, MS, explore the root causes of LGBT patient dissatisfaction with, – and in many cases, distrust of – hospice and palliative care. According to the study, these causes include lack of legal protections, social and familial rejection, fear of discrimination, heterosexist assumptions by the provider, and lack of recognition of loved ones and families of choice.
In addition to examining the problems, Dr. Maingi and her co-authors lay out a blueprint for change for this underserved patient population. They recommend best practices to removing barriers to high-quality care, focusing on research, education, understanding, compassion, and improved communication.
Dr. Maingi’s recent work has earned her recognition from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), which has accepted her into its Leadership Development Program. The year-long program allows participants to gain exposure to U.S. government research agencies, and receive first-hand advocacy experience on Capitol Hill.
“I am very happy about the opportunity to represent community, hospital-based programs in ASCO’s Leadership Development Program,” said Dr. Maingi. “Traditionally, ASCO has only accepted candidates in academic programs. This experience will help me develop connections within ASCO and a skill set to both represent and propel forward our program.”
Dr. Maingi specializes in internal medicine and oncology at St. Peter’s Medical Oncology/Hematology in Troy.
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