Gender Affirmation Clinic Supports Patients and Families Through a Major Transition Providing care in a safe and inclusive environment for a historically marginalized community By George Menz | Photos: Stephen Legendre
For Brandy Panunti, MD, System Chair of Endocrinology at Ochsner Health, supporting LGBTQ+ individuals isn’t just a job. It’s her passion. As part of Ochsner’s larger LGBTQ+ health initiative, Dr. Panunti and her team at the Ochsner Gender Affirmation Clinic - Tchoupitoulas are helping genderdiverse patients feel seen and supported by providing them with the same access to high-quality care as the rest of the Ochsner community. Historically, the LGBTQ+ community has been underserved, but the multidisciplinary model at Ochsner’s Gender Affirmation Clinic is making a profound difference by providing compassionate and individualized care. The specially trained providers follow the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) standards of care and incorporate research to ensure that patients receive the best outcomes. This holistic approach is designed to mitigate any of the shame, embarrassment or fear that many come with when addressing sensitive health issues. The clinic provides a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Services include primary care, HIV PrEP, hormone therapy and behavioral health, with care coordination for pelvic health, voice training and surgery preparation.
of care required for young patients, they work with a team of four experts who provide support every step of the way— physically, emotionally and socially. This collaborative approach, said Cielo Alleyn, MD, Section Head of Pediatric Endocrinology, is critical to the efficacy of care. “Having everybody in one location means we can train our support staff, and every person that the patient is interacting with, to provide affirming care at the hospital,” she said. In addition to Drs. Alleyn and Panunti, the team also includes Cesar Roque, MD, who provides primary care, and Clifton Mixon, PhD, Interim Section Head of Pediatric Psychology. Dr. Roque and Dr.
Mixon offer essential services as part of Ochsner’s ongoing care. Dr. Mixon and Dr. Alleyn work together closely to ensure patients receive care that integrates their physical and behavioral health care needs. “Pediatric gender-affirming care is family-centered. Parents play a critical role in supporting their kids, and we engage and involve them throughout the whole process, from the initial consultation until adulthood.” It is important to note that parental consent is required for any genderaffirming medical interventions. “My role is helping make sure that the patient’s psychological needs are met along with their physical needs and
Dr. Cielo Alleyn, Section Head of Pediatric Endocrinology
Dr. Brandy Panunti, System Chair of Endocrinology
Supporting LGBTQ+ youth through collaborative care For LGBTQ+ youth in particular, the clinic is vital. Because of the complexity
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June/July 2022
