Affirming Gender Identity

UH launches comprehensive program for LGBTQIA+ patients.

UH Clinical Update | July 2020

University Hospitals is launching its comprehensive program that presents an array of innovative services for the LGBTQIA+ community, including the availability of gender affirmation surgery.

“Respect for diversity and compassionate care for all are fundamental to the University Hospitals health system," says Dan Simon, MD, Chief Clinical & Scientific Officer. “Personalized care begins with strong primary care, from pediatrics to geriatrics, where physicians are well acquainted with each individual's unique needs. UH has dozens of primary and specialty providers already focused on the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual population."

To provide understanding and tools for caregivers to expand their scope of practice to participate in this comprehensive transgender program, UH is offering a series of educational webinars in July and August for all caregivers. Caregivers will receive 25 Healthy UH Engagement points for attending a session. The LGBTQ & Gender Care Program also has expanded by adding a surgeon who specializes in gender affirmation surgery.

“The UH Urology Institute has fulfilled a key piece of the program by welcoming Shubham Gupta, MD, a fellowship-trained reconstructive urologist, who has the specialized expertise to help reconcile a person to their identity through gender affirmation surgery," says Lee Ponsky, MD, Director, UH Urology Institute. “No longer will patients seeking gender affirmation consultation and surgery need to travel to New York or Chicago."

Dr. Gupta can perform both female to male and male to female gender affirmation surgery for adult patients 18 and older, who have completed 12 months of continuous hormone therapy and lived successfully full-time throughout this period in their gender-congruent role.

UH is connected to advocacy and education initiatives such as the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, the National LGBT Health Education Center and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association. Consults are available with a dedicated UH patient navigator at 216-286-LGBT (5428).

Look for further information on the dedicated website at UHhospitals.org/LGBTQgendercare.