“Mirror of Patients”: A Reflection on the Honor of Serving as a Male Obstetrician-gynecologist

Abstract

Physicians’ work challenges them to learn and grow from their experiences with patients. Male obstetrician-gynecologists are uniquely blessed and challenged by their experiences in women’s health care. The following is a reflection by one male obstetrician-gynecologist who considers the role of Saint Joseph in the holy family in contemplating his own role in providing women’s health care. Summary: One hundred twenty-five men who underwent therapy trying to change sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual were asked about negative and positive experiences. About two-thirds recorded changes of varying extent. There was also much decrease in suicidality, depression, and substance abuse, and increases in social functioning and self-esteem. Almost all harmful effects were none to slight and comparable to therapies for other unwelcome conditions.