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Semin Plast Surg 2024; 38(01): 053-060
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1778042
Review Article

A History of Gender-Affirming Surgery at the University of Michigan: Lessons for Today

Cole Roblee
1   Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
2   Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois
,
Os Keyes
3   Department of Human Centered Design and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
,
Gaines Blasdel
4   University of Michigan Medical School, Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Caleb Haley
1   Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Megan Lane
1   Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Lauren Marquette
1   Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
Jessica Hsu
1   Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
,
William M. Kuzon Jr.
1   Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Abstract

The University of Michigan has played an important role in advancing gender-affirming surgery programs in the United States. The University of Michigan was home to a little-known gender identity clinic shortly after the opening of the first such clinic at Johns Hopkins. Since 1995, the University of Michigan Comprehensive Services Program (UMCGSP) has been continually offering surgical services to transgender and gender diverse patients. Here, we present the history of both programs, drawn from program documents and oral history, and explore their implications for the future sustainability of gender-affirming surgery programs. The original gender identity clinic opened in 1968, and operated in a multidisciplinary fashion, similar to other clinics at the time. Eventually, the clinic was closed due to disinvestment and lack of sufficient providers to maintain the program, problems which are being increasingly recognized as barriers for similar programs. The modern program, UMCGSP is perhaps the longest continually running gender-affirming surgical program at an academic center. In spite of challenges, key investments in education, statewide community engagement, and the development of a comprehensive care model have helped UMCGSP avoid the pitfalls of the earlier clinic and remain relevant throughout its nearly 30-year history. In the face of rising challenges to gender-affirming care in the United States, much can be learned from the sustainability of the UMCGSP. Institutions seeking to maintain gender-affirming surgery programs should ensure the availability of comprehensive care and promote the education of the health care workforce.

Keywords

gender affirming - University of Michigan Comprehensive Gender Services Program (UMCGSP) - surgery


Publication History

Article published online:
19 January 2024

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