Women’s College Hospital (WCH) is proud to be at the forefront of health innovation and education for equity deserving communities. The hospital’s Transition Related Surgery (TRS) program – the first hospital-based TRS program in Canada – continues to highlight the importance of offering life-saving care to trans and gender non-conforming individuals by celebrating milestones and increasing surgical capacity.
Transition Related Surgery (TRS) Program at WCH
The TRS team started out in 2019 with Emery Potter, Nurse Practitioner, as the clinical lead of the program and Dr. Yonah Krakowsky, Medical Director of TRS. With increased awareness and demand for this life-saving care, the TRS program has since grown into a team of 11, including Advance Practice Nurse Emily MacLeod, Urologist, Dr. Alexi Millman, Physiotherapist, Olivia Drodge, and Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Katie Armstrong, who currently performs the most gender-affirming surgeries in Ontario – approximately 500 a year.
With studies pointing towards “a clear need to reduce the stigma, prejudice, and discrimination related to being transgender in (transgender) youth’s environments,” our TRS program also warmly welcomed psychiatrist Dr. Lucy Barker. Dr. Barker is helping patients on their TRS journey, a vitally important role for a group at a higher risk of reporting psychological distress, self-harm, major depressive episode, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts.
Ontario has the largest trans population in Canada and, outside of WCH’s TRS program, there are limited options for trans-related surgical care. Through increasing the team, the TRS program has been able to increase capacity for surgeries to provide trans and gender diverse individuals relief from gender dysphoria and the many psychological, physical and societal struggles that come with it. This past year’s increased surgery volume saw the TRS program celebrating the completion of 100 vaginoplasties – a difficult milestone in light of pandemic restrictions impacting transgender and gender-diverse access to care.
TRS Virtual Seminar Series
As part of its mission to educate community members about the TRS process, Women’s College Hospital began offering free virtual seminars for trans people, gender diverse people and their loved ones making important gender-affirming decisions. As the first publicly funded TRS program in the country, the program endeavored to educate relevant community members and equip them with the knowledge they need to feel confident during this important period in their lives.
The seminars provided an accessible pathway for education on the surgery, surgical techniques, surgical outcomes, funding options and the patient experience. These events offered prospective patients an anonymous opportunity to engage with medical experts and included a Q&A period at the end of each seminar.
Research & Academics
Our TRS team continues to make make strides in transgender health research including a WCH led study looking at trans-binary vs. non-binary access to top surgery in Ontario, and the commencement of three large studies looking at the histology and the microbiology of the genitals after gender affirming medical interventions.
Notably, WCH Nurse Practitioner and TRS program founder, Emery Potter, co-authored a study on the “Long-term gynecological outcomes and vaginal care practices among transfeminine individuals who have undergone vaginoplasty.” With 55 strong posters submitted this year, this study earned the distinction of ‘Best Poster’ at WCH’s second ever Day of Excellence in Academics.
Being an Ally
Throughout the year it is imperative to reaffirm our commitment as allies to the transgender community. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, we contribute to the well-being of transgender individuals seeking care, both within and outside the TRS program. Understanding and respecting diverse gender identities are fundamental to providing quality and equitable care, and remain firmly within WCH’s mission to create a healthier, more equitable world.
All year long, we strive to educate our staff, physicians & volunteers, enhance cultural competence, and ensure that we uphold the principles of dignity and respect for all patients, regardless of their gender identity. By relentlessly pursuing and embracing tolerance, acceptance and compassion, we not only raise awareness but also demonstrate our dedication to promoting healthcare that is sensitive and responsive to the unique needs of the transgender and gender-diverse communities.
Whether you’re a trans person looking for support or acting in allyship, you can access resources through Egale Canada.