RT01: Challenges and Solutions for Barriers to Care Among Transgender Patients

Addressing barriers to healthcare for transgender patients is of paramount importance to ensure equitable access to quality care. Unfortunately, transgender patients often face discrimination, lack of understanding, and limited access to gender-affirming services. As reconstructive pelvic surgeons, recognizing and overcoming these barriers are crucial in providing compassionate and comprehensive care to all patients.

The facilitators are two gender-affirming pelvic surgeons that are an integral part of the Transgender Care Program at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. At our institution, we have established a multidisciplinary team, specialized care pathways, and proficiency in performing gender-affirming surgeries. We can provide valuable insight on the challenges and solutions for addressing barriers to care among transgender patients.

The intended audience includes Urogynecology and Urology providers committed to healthcare equity and outcome improvement for transgender patients. Their expertise in pelvic floor disorders and reconstructive pelvic surgery positions them in a unique role to address the needs and challenges faced by transgender individuals seeking care.