15 Caring for Transgender Youth with Compassion: What Pediatricians Must Know

https://302.buzz/PM-WhatAreYourThoughts

We have an important discussion today about LGBTQIA+ patients. Dr. Dan Shumer, Clinical Director of the Child and Adolescent Gender Clinic at Mott Children’s Hospital, will join us to share his story about caring for his transgender youth patients. His observations are promising as the youth are now becoming more and more vocal about their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression (SOGIE). It is critical the healthcare providers understand the needs of this population. Creating a safe space in our practices supports not only the youth but also their families.

Let’s listen to Dr. Shumer and learn how pediatricians can care for transgender youth with compassion.

[00:01 - 05:59] Opening Segment

• Welcoming today's guest, Dr. Dan Shumer
• Dr. Klein’s talks about his clinic for transgender youth
• Melting anxiety and shame

[06:00 - 13:37] The Tasks of Adolescents

• Dr. Shumer’s thoughts about transgender youth
• The difference between gender identity and gender dysphoria
• The role of parents on their child’s growth

[13:38 - 23:48] Caring and Compassion

• Mental health of LGBTQIA+ patients
• Building a safe space for trans patients
• A difference in gender identity and biological sex is normal
• Find out why this is not a problem
• Educational materials about caring for transgender youth
• Links below

[23:49 - 32:21] Ethics of Care

• Dr. Shumer’s treatment approach
• “Pausing” puberty
• Ethical issues to consider

[32:22 - 38:48] Closing Segment

• Dr. Shumer’s parting words
• Compassion is the first step to care for trans patients
• Final Takeaways
• Difference in gender identity and biological sex is normal
• Parents’ dreams for their kids might differ from what the kids really want
• Parent education is a must
• Relevant educational resources are available
• Timing and intervention are crucial in treatment
• We need to look for mentors who can guide us
• Compassion can make a big difference

Tweetable Quotes:

“...there are some things that parents can do to show that they love and support their kid even if they’re having some internal conflict...” - Dr. Dan Shumer

“Gender identity is a normal human characteristic and having a difference in gender identity compared to biologic sex itself is not a medical problem or a mental health problem.” - Dr. Dan Shumer

Resources Mentioned:

• UCSF Guidelines for the Primary and Gender-Affirming Care of Transgender and Gender Nonbinary People
• World Professional Agency for Transgender Youth – Standards of Care

If you’d like to connect with Dr. Shumer, email dshumer@med.umich.edu. Also, visit https://www.mottchildren.org/ to learn more about his space.

If you’d like to connect with me, you can find me at LinkedIn, Facebook, and