What's It Like To Be A Transgender Physician?

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It started in medical school, when I witnessed the stark reality of the hidden curriculum: a transgender patient referred to as "it" by an attending physician. Over the years, I saw more subtle but no less harmful behaviors—snickers, misused pronouns, quiet biases. I often felt lost in how to respond.

Today, transgender identity feels more politically charged than ever. But beyond the politics, what’s it like simply to be transgender? What challenges do transgender patients face—physically, medically, socially, and emotionally? And how do you navigate a world that sees you differently after transitioning?

In this episode, Dr. Jailyn Avila shares her story. We cover the deeply personal aspects of transition, from conversations with her wife and kids to navigating professional dynamics as an internationally recognized expert. Dr. Avila offers candid insights into her experience as a physician presenting as both male and female, practical advice for providing better care for transgender patients, and strategies for addressing pronouns and mistakes with grace.

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Guest bio: Jailyn Avila is a board-certified emergency medicine physician, transgender woman, wife, and mother of three. She has been heavily involved in medical education with an emphasis on bedside ultrasound and runs Core Ultrasound, delivering online educational content. In 2021, Jailyn began her gender transition and “completed” said transition in 2023. Jailyn is currently Core Faculty for the UHS SoCal MEC Emergency Medicine Residency in Temecula, California where she also functions as the Associate Ultrasound Director and the Director of Faculty Development.

• Coming Out to Her Wife
• Navigating External Frictions and Gender Identity
• Balancing Personal and Professional Identity
• The Gradual Process of Transition
• Work and Social Dynamics
• Experiences as Both a Male and Female Physician
• Managing Emotions: The RAIN Method
• Caring for Transgender Patients in the Emergency Department
• Impact of Jailyn's Transition on Her Family and Children
• Understanding Gender and Biological Variations

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