MADISON, Wis. — During Women’s History Month, Violet LaClair, a nursing assistant at UW Health, reflected on her journey towards acceptance and fulfillment in her career. 

LaClair’s role involved providing exceptional care to patients, especially those undergoing gender transition surgeries.

“As the first person they see when they enter the room, I made sure they were comfortable,” LaClair said, emphasizing the importance of empathy in patient care.

LaClair said being transgender herself facilitates instant connections with trans and non-binary patients. Her sincerity and experience earned her the prestigious Sunshine Award at UW Health for assisting a patient during a personal gender-specific test.

Shiva Bidar, UW Health vice president and head of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity, commended LaClair and the hospital’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusive care.

“She’s a shining example of why good experiences for our employees are great experiences for our patients too,” Bidar said.

LaClair, currently healing from her own gender transition surgery, expressed confidence and trust in the medical team. She said her decision to pursue a career in health care was deeply influenced by her experience as her grandmother’s caretaker, who encouraged her to live her truth.

“I think if I wasn’t able to tell her my truth, that I would be where I am now. It freed me in a way,” LaClair said.

As LaClair continues to break barriers and pave the way for gender transition health care, she remains grateful for the opportunity to be part of UW Health’s effort.

“I think UW is trying to be a destination for transgender patients and medical care and I’m really proud to be part of that,” LaClair said.