Transgender Healthcare
A basic principle of at Davis Square Family Practice is to promote the highest level of health possible.
Unfortunately, because issues related to sexuality and gender identity have not, until recently, been given much attention in most medical schools many doctors are uncomfortable dealing with them. While sexual orientation and gender identity are two different matters many patients are nonetheless uncomfortable in telling their doctor that they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. At our office, we respect everybody’s right to live their lives to the fullest as they see fit. Making and identifying the changes necessary to create the reality and live your truest self can cause undue emotional stress in other aspects of your life, if it does we are here to help. It requires skilled medical care with intimate knowledge of the LGBTQ+ community to help guide people as they find identity and best health.
I’m an active member in WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) which is the organization responsible for setting up the Standards of Care (SOC) for trans healthcare. The SOC were created in the late 1970’s and they are a set of recommendations designed to help both clinicians and patients have a more clear pathway through what can be a difficult time for the persons seeking healthcare. While they are currently undergoing a major revision, the SOC are recommendations that are well-suited for some in the trans community but not others. For example, the SOC requires that those seeking changes in gender identity are recommended to see a therapist prior to receiving hormonal treatment. Sometimes a person cannot afford to see a therapist or honestly doesn’t need a therapist to “determine” whether they are transgender. We attempt to individualize the care while understanding that the SOC often offer reasonable guidance.
Resources
- WPATH Standard of Care 2022
- GLAAD trans terminology
- Greater Boston PFLAG support groups
- North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ youth
- Sayftee Therapy Group – socially conscious group practice offering a range of services including family therapy, individual therapy, couple/relationship therapy, groups, workshops, training, consultation, and supervision
- MGH transgender health
- Boston Children’s Hospital GeMS program