Episode 6 | Using more Inclusive Language in the Clinic

July 24, 2020

Access the transcript for Using Inclusive Langauge in the Clinic.

Using Inclusive Languge in the Clinic

As a clinician, you're probably used to speaking or writing in a particular way. It's helpful to evaluate your language periodically to make sure yu're choosing words and phrases that create a welcoming and inclusive environment. While I know most of us have good intentions, we also have a lot of room for improvement (and I include myself here!).

Here are a few things to consider in your written language:

List your pronouns on your website, in your bio, and in other marketing/promotional materials
Leave blanks for clients to indicate sex and gender on your forms, rather than providing binary choices
Ask clients which pronouns they use on your intake form or at the beginning of your visit
In the "Family History" section of your intake forms, ask clients to list family members and relevant illnesses or conditions rather than specifying "mother" "father" etc.
Use parent(s) or guardian(s) rather than mother/father; do not assume parents are married
Use partner/spouse rather than husband/wife; do not assume people have only one partner or spouse
Check your intake forms for questions about reproductive organs; ask the same questions to all clients. Put a "not applicable" box for people to check if relevant.

Here are some considerations for spoken language:

"Died from suicide" rather than "committed suicide"
"Person with diabetes" rather than "diabetic" (same applies for other conditions: alcoholic, etc.)
"Older adults" rather than "elderly"
"Under-resourced" rather than "inner city"
"Neighborhood with high poverty rates" rather than "disadvantaged"
"They" rather than "he/she" if gender unknown
"Hey y'all" or "Hey folks" rather than "Hey guys" (or, à la the Sleep with Me podcast, “Ladies, gentlemen, and friends beyond the binary”)
"Bananas" or "wild" rather than "crazy" or "insane"
"Not cool" rather than "lame"
"The public" rather than "citizens" or "Americans" [situational]
"Different sex" rather than "opposite sex"
"Pregnant person" or "person who is nursing" rather than "pregnant mother" or "nursing mother”

Resources for Inclusive Language

Northwestern University Counseling Inclusive Language Guide
An Incomplete Guide to Inclusive Language for Startups and Tech from Buffer
18F Inclusive Language Content Guide
Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Treatment Planning
Focus on Forms and Policy: Creating an Inclusive Environment for LGBT Patients
The Racist Origins of Seven Common Phrases
Fat Phobia and Its Racist Past and Present episode of the ShortWave podcast (not specific to inclusive language, but speaks to BMI and how we view/talk about healthy weights - more on this later)

about Camille

Hi there! I'm a clinical herbalist and licensed nutritionist specializing in fertility and menstrual health. I run the Monday Mentoring community of practice and also offer continuing education programs for highly-trained herbalists and nutritionists (Check out this year's Deep Dive!). I'm also a professor in the Department of Nutrition at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, where I teach physiology, pathophysiology, and mindful eating. Read more.