Gender Matters: Insights from a Physician
Gender Matters: Insights from a Physician invites healthcare providers into a compassionate conversation about gender inclusivity. Hosted by Dr. Shannon Panszi, a retired Ob/Gyn and seasoned gender advocate, this podcast draws on over a decade of experience to bridge the gap between medical practice and the lived experiences of transgender and nonbinary patients. Each episode combines insightful knowledge with practical advice, illustrating how providers can enhance their care by recognizing and challenging their own assumptions.
Join us as we explore a range of topics, from medical issues to broader societal themes, all designed to help you improve the care you deliver—not just for transgender and nonbinary patients, but for everyone. Subscribe and share to help spread awareness and foster a more inclusive healthcare environment for all!
Gender Matters: Insights from a Physician
If 97% is Good Enough for Cardiac Patients, Why Isn’t It for Transgender Youth?
Why do we accept a 97% success rate as a gold standard for cardiac care yet question it for transgender youth who receive gender-affirming care? In this episode, Dr. Panszi explores a pivotal new study from JAMA Pediatrics that examines satisfaction, regret, and continuation of care rates among transgender youth who received their gender-affirming care at the start of puberty.
At 97%, the continuation rate mirrors the outcome for cardiac patients who experience improved quality of life after surgery. Yet, while cardiac patients face a 3% mortality rate, those receiving gender-affirming care simply discontinue care. The distinction raises essential questions about how we view and measure success in healthcare, especially when the patient population is young and transgender.
Listen in to understand the facts behind these numbers, the factors contributing to quality of life improvements, and how this evidence can empower healthcare providers to better support and counsel their patients.
Citations:
- Olson KR, Raber GF, Gallagher NM. Levels of Satisfaction and Regret With Gender-Affirming Medical Care in Adolescence. JAMA Pediatr. 2024 Oct 21. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.4527. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39432272.
- Shroyer AL, Coombs LP, Peterson ED, et al. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons: 30-day operative mortality and morbidity risk models. Ann Thorac Surg. 2003 Jun;75(6):1856-64; discussion 1864-5. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(03)00179-6. PMID: 12822628.
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