Published in the December 2025 Edition
By Adam Romanik
Recently, I sat down with Dr. Ruth Horowitz, Endocrinologist and LGBTQ+ Advocate. Dr. Horowitz is the Chief of the Division of Endocrinology at Greater Baltimore Medical Center and serves on the Pride committee to make GBMC a more inclusive and friendly institution for all. Dr. Horowitz is also one of the only endocrinologist’s in Maryland who's part of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.
Dr. Horowitz grew up in a very progressive home; her father worked for the social security administration and her mother was a social worker. During her childhood years, she remembers how her parents instilled in her equity for every person. After high school, she attended Oberlin College, a liberal and progressive school and then earned her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Dr. Horowitz selected endocrinology because it is a more specialized medicine based on patient by patient conditions and at many times, in endocrinology it’s like solving a complicated problem for each patient. During her time at Oberlin College, Dr. Horowitz was exposed to the LGBTQ+ community and through her family she first got involved in the trans community and was approached about practicing trans medicine. After some training and conferences she realized that practicing trans medicine was no different than any other form of medicine.
A few years later, the pride committee at GBMC was holding a celebration for Transgender Day of Remembrance which prompted her to reach out to the committee chair and join the pride committee. As a member of that committee, she has helped to make GBMC more inviting and inclusive. The committee also participates in the local pride festival and parade, holds other celebrations during pride month and national coming out day and does trainings and workshops for staff on topics to advance inclusivity.
As we were getting near the end of the interview, I asked Dr. Horowitz, what are the biggest issues that you are currently facing? “Fear”, she replied. People in the trans community are worried about getting access to their meds, healthcare and about being safe. They are worried about information in their medical records going to set them up for being harassed, arrested, deported. Dr. Horowitz reassures them that Maryland is a very trans friendly state and has protections for the community and has seen many patients move from other not so friendly trans states to Maryland because of the support there.
Dr. Horowitz’s recommendation for the LGBTQ+ community is support each other and be active in the community. For those that are considering starting the journey of transitioning, she recommends to make sure that you have psychological support and work with a mental health provider at the same time starting hormone replacement therapy as well as having some deep conversations with your medical provider to consider things that you may have not thought of previously.
Dr. Horowitz’s practices at Bay West Endocrinology Associates PA in Timonium, MD. For more information, visit https://www.myprivia.com/bayendocrinology.