PAT I E N T E X P E R I E N C E
Bond of trust transcends barriers to care
J
essica “Jess” Heckman, MD, is a family practice doctor at Family Medicine of Lincoln, which is part of the Bryan Physician Network. She spends much of her day doing traditional family medicine, seeing multiple generations of families with common medical problems. Her medical practice is unusual, though, in that she also specializes in treating two groups of patients who often avoid medical
care — refugees from war-torn countries and persons from the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community. “These groups are similar in an important way,” explains Dr. Heckman. “Both often don’t fully share information about their lives because they worry they’ll be judged. My view is that everyone deserves an equal amount of respect, and it’s important that everybody has a safe environment for care. I work to have a bond of trust with my patients so that can happen.”
Interpreter Samia Ahmed helps Dr. Jess Heckman communicate with refugee Murad Nassir during an examination at Family Medicine of Lincoln. 2 Spring 2020
