Ethical Challenges with Gender Dysphoria

For the past two millennia, we have known about transgender communities around the world; however, over the past 20 years, most western countries have seen an explosion in the number of people identifying as transgender/gender nonconforming. With advances in modern science, we now have a better understanding of the genetic factors, differences in brain structure and sex hormone receptors of these individuals. There are pivotal ethical questions to address regarding the diagnosis, treatment, surgical interventions and complex fertility issues of transgender/gender nonconforming children and adolescents. Dr. Alejandro Diaz discusses modern science advances and the pivotal ethical challenges in working with this unique patient population.

Target Audience

Family physicians, general internists, hospitalists, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, medical students, respiratory therapists (personal growth), pharmacists and other interested healthcare professionals.  

Learning Objectives

  • Examine the genetic factors, differences in brain structure and sex hormone receptors of transgender individuals.
  • Identify common risks and enhanced protective factors that may reduce self-harm behavior among transgender individuals.
  • Review available pharmacological and surgical treatments offered to transgender individuals.
Additional information
Bibliography: 
  • Heylens, G., De Cuypere, G., Zucker, K. J., Schelfaut, C., Elaut, E., Bossche, H. V., ... & T'Sjoen, G. (2012). Gender identity disorder in twins: a review of the case report literature. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 9(3), 751-757.
  • Foreman, M., Hare, L., York, K., Balakrishnan, K., Sánchez, F. J., Harte, F., ... & Harley, V. R. (2019). Genetic link between gender dysphoria and sex hormone signaling. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 104(2), 390-396.
  • Taziaux, M., Staphorsius, A. S., Ghatei, M. A., Bloom, S. R., Swaab, D. F., & Bakker, J. (2016). Kisspeptin expression in the human infundibular nucleus in relation to sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 101(6), 2380-2389.
Course Summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.50 General certificate of attendance
  • 1.50 Florida Board of Clinical Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors
  • 1.50 Nurse Practitioners
  • 1.50 Florida Board of Nursing
  • 1.50 Florida Board of Pharmacy
  • 1.50 Florida Board of Respiratory Therapy
Course opens: 
03/01/2020
Course expires: 
02/28/2023

Alejandro Diaz, M.D.
Pediatric Endocrinologist
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Florida International University

Alejandro Diaz, M.D., faculty of this educational activity, has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies* to disclose and has indicated that the presentation or discussion will include off-label or unapproved product usage.

Ana M. Viamonte-Ros, M.D., conference director for this educational activity, has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies* to disclose.

Non-faculty contributors and others involved in the planning, development, and editing/review of the content have no relevant financial relationships to disclose with ineligible companies*.  

*Ineligible companies -- Companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Disclosure Policy and Disclaimer

Baptist Health South Florida is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Baptist Health has been re-surveyed by the ACCME and awarded Commendation for 6 years as a provider of CME for physicians.
              
Baptist Health South Florida designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Available Credit

  • 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.50 General certificate of attendance
  • 1.50 Florida Board of Clinical Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors
  • 1.50 Nurse Practitioners
  • 1.50 Florida Board of Nursing
  • 1.50 Florida Board of Pharmacy
  • 1.50 Florida Board of Respiratory Therapy
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