In honour of the Trans Day of Visibility on March 31, we are highlighting some of the changemakers in our Transition Related Surgery Program whose work exemplifies what it means to ensure trans and gender diverse individuals are seen, heard, respected and valued.
Name: Emily MacLeod
Pronouns: She/Her
Title & Department: Advanced Practice Nurse, Transition Related Surgeries
On the WCH team for: 6 months
1. What does your typical day look like?
Each day varies from one to next and can include all or parts of the following: providing direct care to patients in clinic or in the AACU, conducting initial consultations and education delivery, helping with the planning and coordination of care pre and post-surgery, collaborating with the multidisciplinary team, assisting with research studies and initiatives, advocating for individualized and patient population needs, and attending research and TRS team meetings. I typically arrive to work by 8:00 or 9:00am (depending if we have morning clinic) and it’s always supplemented by coffee throughout the day!
2. What excites you the most about working in TRS at WCH?
I think what excites me the most is simply being a member of the TRS team. Each team member is passionate, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and kind. It truly is a joy to come to work every day and work alongside them. There is so much heart, purpose and passion in this team and it makes me want to be the best nurse I can be for our patients.
3. How does your work contribute to creating a positive patient experience?
I am in a position where I might be the first “point of contact” patients have with our program. First impressions can be lasting and therefore compassion, kindness and respect are important values for me to exhibit in all my interactions. From the first interaction onward, I try to create a safe and welcoming space where people feel comfortable sharing information and feel like they are placed at the center of their care. I am fortunate to be able to have multiple interactions with patients, pre and post-surgery, where I have the time and opportunity to foster these positive therapeutic relationships to provide excellent, compassionate care throughout an individual’s surgical journey.
4. What does Trans day of Visibility mean to you?
To me, Trans Day of Visibility is about recognizing and celebrating transgender and gender diverse people in our families, communities, and workplaces. It is about honoring the victories and contributions of these communities while also raising awareness to the violence and discrimination that continues to exist every day. Trans and gender diverse people deserve to exist in a world where healthcare and gender affirming care is accessible, where safety isn’t compromised for simply existing, and where we can see and appreciate the beauty and differences amongst us. It is about cultivating a community of love for one another, where it is safe for people to be who they are without judgement. I stand in solidarity with the trans and gender diverse communities. There is still a fight to be fought – the fight for trans rights is all our fight.