Caring for our Transgender Patients
Caring for our Transgender Patients Susan Massick, MD As dermatologists, we should strive to create an inclusive environment for patients regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. While progress has been made in embracing diversity and advocating for equity and inclusion, changing political landscapes and partisan politics may negatively impact access to care for underserved and vulnerable groups. Currently over 1.3 million Americans adults (0.5%) and 300,000 adolescents ages 13-17 (approximately 1.4% of the youth population) identify as transgender.¹ People who are receiving gender-affirming care may seek our dermatologic expertise to manage physiologic changes that will occur with hormonal therapy. The National Center for Transgender Equality just completed its largest transgender survey in December 2022 with results to be released in fall 2023. Based on 2015 data, however, the NCTE found that “One-third (33%) of those who saw a health care provider…reported...