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Title: VA's first transgender clinic opens in Cleveland
Source:
Clevland.com
URL Source: http://www.cleveland.com/metro/inde ... irst_transgender_clinic_o.html
Published: Nov 13, 2015
Author: Brian Albrecht, The Plain Dealer
Post Date: 2015-11-13 10:23:39 by Willie Green
Keywords: None
Views: 3053
Comments: 27
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The first clinic for transgender patients in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical care system opened today at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. The clinic will handle an initial enrollment of 20 transgender veterans, ages 21 to 75, on a half-day (Thursdays) each month, and is headed Dr. Megan McNamara, who started working two years ago with this patient population. McNamara, who trained as a primary care and women's health doctor, is the clinical lead physician. She leads a team of other VA staffers including a nurse, psychologist and social worker, who will add the clinic to their usual duties at the medical center, at 10701 East Blvd. "It felt like a good fit for me, professionally, and I felt that a lot of patients could use this service," McNamara said. According to McNamara, studies have shown that the number of transgender veterans seeking services at the VA is five times higher than transgender prevalence in the non-veteran population. About 15,000 transgender service personnel are believed to be serving on active duty. "The numbers are sort of all over the place, especially among the veteran population because it has never been safe to say (that you're a transgendered person) until now, with the military ban (on such admissions)," McNamara added. Generally, transgender describes someone who feels that their gender identity is different from their outside appearance, McNamara said. Medical care for transgender patients can differ from usual procedures when hormone therapy is being used to effect a physical change in appearance more suited to a patient's perceived gender identity, she noted. That therapy can involve different hormone formulations and strengths, possibly affecting a patient's health in such areas as bone density and clotting risk, McNamara said. The VA has provided a directive on providing care to transgender patients, and other tutorial programs for physicians, since 2011, according to McNamara. Though there are clinics for transgender patients in the civilian population – the MetroHealth System has its Pride Clinic serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community – McNamara said, "as far as we know, this is the first dedicated transgender clinic" in the VA medical system. "I feel there are a lot of transgender patients in the veteran population who haven't been able to find the care they need," she added. "I really want to be able to provide comprehensive, one-stop care for those patients in a welcoming environment . . . a place where they're comfortable and accepted." She also hoped that as the clinic expands its number of patients and service days, it would be able to set up support groups, mentoring and community outreach programs for transgender veterans. "I think the VA is really committed to doing this," McNamara said. "It may be out of step with their historical approach (to patient services) but I don't think it's half-hearted at all." Susan Fuehrer, medical center director, said, "We pride ourselves on treating veterans with the dignity and respect they deserve. Opening this transgender clinic allows us to continue to provide compassionate care in a space dedicated specifically to transgender veterans." Two big fans of the concept are current transgender clinic patients and Air Force veterans Giovonni Santiago, 29, of Akron, and Danielle Keller, 66, of Parma Heights. "Oftentimes if I'd go in the private sector, I'd run into problems with doctors who are not informed how to treat (transgender patients), or knowledgeable of transgender issues," Keller said. "So you'd have to search for somebody who is knowledgeable. It's not always successful and sometimes it's painful to do such a thing because the rejection is not fun to deal with," Keller added. "Knowing that we can come to a place that is familiar with our issues helps a lot." Santiago was "elated and excited" about the opening of the clinic that was a concept he had discussed with McNamara when he became her first transgender patient two years ago. "It's just very, very relieving to see that the VA is dedicated to this, and see all the faith put in Dr. McNamara," Santiago added. The veteran hopes to act as a patient liaison for the clinic and help other transgender veterans to make use of its services. Santiago said he'd tell those vets that the clinic is "worthwhile, a fabulous unit ... they're efficient and they're welcoming. Take a deep breath and come on in because the way has been paved." Both hoped the clinic here could set an example for other VA medical facilities to follow. "I think there's a need," Keller said. "If we could be the starting point and others would follow suit, that would be terrific." (Transgender veterans can contact the clinic at 216-791-3800, extension 3647.) Poster Comment: Don't Ask -- Don't Tell
Dr. Megan McNamara and two patients of the new clinic for transgender veterans talk about this effort at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Giovonni Santiago, left, and Danielle Keller, talk about the opening of the transgender clinic at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center. (Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer)
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Begin Trace Mode for Comment # 19.
#1. To: Willie Green, sneakypete, GarySpFc, Don, BobCeleste, Nolu Chan, *Military or Vets Affairs* (#0)
Don't ask don't tell was repealed three years ago Willie. No wonder the VA is broken and can't meet the serious health needs of Veterans. They spend money on a transgender clinic when they should have used the funds on another cancer or cardiac clinic. You know the real needs of aging Vets.
They spend money on a transgender clinic when they should have used the funds on another cancer or cardiac clinic. You know the real needs of aging Vets. This appears to be just a clinic set up within an existing large VA medical Center. I suppose many regular VA physicians lack experience to deal some of the special concerns of the transgender community. They need someplace to send them.
There is always Tricare?
I think that is only for "Tri-Sexuals",who represent the next wave of new VA patients.(G)
I wouldn't be a bit surprised.
There are no replies to Comment # 19. End Trace Mode for Comment # 19.
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#8. To: redleghunter (#1)
No wonder the VA is broken and can't meet the serious health needs of Veterans.
#11. To: nolu chan (#8)
#15. To: Don (#11)
There is always Tricare?
#19. To: sneakypete (#15)
Replies to Comment # 19.
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