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Executive Leadership Team:
Shaun Adrian Flatt, P.M.P., M.A.
(President)
Mark Chong, D.O.
(Vice President)
Eric Geedey, C.C.M.
(Treasurer) |
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MARK CHONG, D.O.
Since childhood, I have questioned why some people do the things they do. Why are some behaviors tolerated or sanctioned by society, religion, culture and the government, while others are not? Who decides which behaviors are acceptable?
This initial curiosity was intensified when I realized many behaviors are driven by physiological mechanisms. I studied animal behaviors and compared them to human correlates at the University of California at Davis (UCD) and received the Bachelors of Science in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior. My elective studies at UC Davis included 3 years of peer counseling at the campus health clinic in human sexuality & reproductive physiology. Focus was placed on supportive counseling, health education and community outreach regarding all sexuality topics: including gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues.
To completely heal is to address both physical and emotional aspects of wellness. This is also important in GLBT issues. Wanting to share this comprehensive philosophy with others, I hoped others would also embrace its usefulness. So it seemed natural for me to pursue an occupation as a physician. Not just a physical healer, but one who appreciates psychological issues: a psychiatrist.
Physicians licensed to practice medicine and surgery in the United States must possess a degree either as a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) degree. These two physician degrees require similar training and specialization; however, osteopathic physicians receive additional focused training in the musculoskeletal system. The osteopathic philosophy of training stressed integration of various body systems and how each system relates to the other. This was congruent with my beliefs of the various interplays between physical and emotional health. Comprehensive healing requires physical and psychological treatment modalities, so I enrolled at Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM) for my medical training.
Historically, the profession of psychiatry has not always treated gay and lesbian people respectfully. After completing medical school and receiving my D.O. degree, I felt empowered to make a positive difference. I completed a general medical internship at Los Angeles County + University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Medical Center and was licensed to practice medicine before continuing to specialize in psychiatry. Given this opportunity to harmonize biomedical treatments with psychosocial methods, I realized this was the most comprehensive and satisfying aspect of patient care. During my 4 years as a physician LAC+USC General Hospital, I witnessed several recurring themes from the dynamic interactions between various patients and healthcare providers. Why did some patients refuse medical treatments and leave the hospital against medical advice? Why do people behave in various unexpected ways? I then realized…it was an issue of quantity of life vs. quality of life. These themes also affect the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community in various forms.
Most physician specialists and surgeons focus on extending the quantity of life for patients. Often times, presuming that an extended quantity of life is synonymous for improvements in quality of life. Psychiatrists understand the importance of life quality through biological, psychological and social treatments, in addition to extending life.
The American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the list of “mental disorders” in the 1970’s. We must be careful what we consider “normal” as well as “abnormal.” This is precisely why we need further evidence based research and practices in the clinical setting. This is a priority with social research organizations like Gay & Gender Research (GGR).
When offered the opportunity to be a medical and psychiatric consultant for GGR, I was excited for various reasons. Gender issues affect our behavior due to multi-factorial biological, psychological and social forces. Sexism affects both women and men. Gender roles can limit development and growth. Gender issues are ubiquitous in the environment, though they may be subtle at times. Issues of sexual orientation often force people to question the impact of gender roles. Further research in these areas is deserved, needed and applicable to society as a whole.
I want to continue psychiatric consultations and working collaboratively with other multidisciplinary professionals like those here at GGR. My other interests include motorcycles, industrial design, and eating sushi. |
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