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Transgender London |
Everyone Needs a GPIt is the right of every Canadian to have a family doctor (GP or General Practitioner). The problem is there is a shortage of them to begin with and secondly, how to find one who is trans friendly. Unfortunately, in Ontario there is no list of trans friendly doctors and it is debatable as to whether there should be. (It is in fact an ongoing debate I have with a G/F). So that leaves you with a bit of a conundrum. First, getting a physician can be an arduous chore and secondly, finding out if s/he is trans friendly narrows the field even more. While a doctor cannot refuse to treat someone for being trans (it is discrimination) the level of care offered can vary widely. Let's assume you have landed a GP and you get through the interview and medical history and all that goes with first meetings. Now you are faced with the decision of coming out to the doctor. They are human and so have their own opinions and prejudices so you may want to feel them out first. You may have to probe for opinions the doctor holds about transpeople. You also need to decide exactly how involved in your gender issues you want your doctor to become. For instance, you may want nothing more than basic health care so there is no need for your doctor to know; or is there? Like it or not, as transpeople, we do come with a few extras in our shopping cart. Maybe you have been self medicating. The doctor should know. There are multiple reasons for this, not the least of which can be your own death. Prescriptions given may be inadequate or too strong if someone is in transition. Blood tests can be affected. Maybe you are already in transition and changing doctors. The doctor will want to know about lifestyle (or should). S/he will want to know if you are in the sex trade in which case STD's becomes a major concern. The doctor will want to know about your diet and exercise. The doctor will want to know about your general mental state and probably want to interface with your pdoc. Consider that perhaps you will want to go on HRT down the road. While the process of administering hormones is far from rocket science, you will want to ensure that after your baseline levels are established, that continued monitoring for complications is carried out. You will want your doctor to be fully informed of all the side effects and possible complications so you are properly cared for. Okay so assuming your new doctor is willing to carry out all these little extras there is then the social and interactive portion of your relationship. In all likelihood, you will want to be treated in your true gender. This will mean use of proper pronouns as well as being addressed by your name. You will want your charts to reflect this except where it is necessary for legal reasons. Perhaps 2 name tags on the chart can be used so that nursing staff are equally informed. You will want to be dressed appropriately (this doesn't mean sparkles in your body spray is acceptable) so you want your doctor to be comfortable with that. As an F2M you may be uncomfortable with a breast exam and repulsed or horrified by an internal, your doctor should be sympathetic and understanding to your concerns just as the M2F would be concerned with a rectal prostate exam. It is degrading. Degrading but necessary. The doctor can make it easier for you though by being empathetic and supportive. Suppose you travel frequently. Laws elsewhere may not recognize trans "rights" so you may need a letter from your doctor stating your medical state. (In fact, travel to some countries can land you in jail as soon as you clear customs because being trans is illegal.) You will definitely need your doctor's help with legal changes associated with your transition. There are many many reasons to have a trans friendly doctor. Finding one can be a task in and of itself but the rewards are multiple.
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This site was last updated 02/14/11