Any person who wishes hormone therapy or reassignment surgery must be evaluated by our psychologist, psychiatrist and endocrinologist. Candidates meet initially with Dr. Sterner to complete a social history and psychological testing. They are then evaluated by our psychiatrist, B. Subbarao, M.D., and by our endocrinologist, William. Petit, M.D. The candidate contacts Dr. Sterner after the three evaluations have been completed; at this time, the candidate will be scheduled to appear before the Board.

The phone numbers of the evaluators can be found under "Clinic Staff Members." Fees for the evaluations are determined by the evaluators and are paid directly to them. It is unlikely that insurance reimbursement will be authorized for the evaluations; consequently, the candidate must be prepared to pay out of pocket for the evaluations.

BOARD PRESENTATIONS

Candidates appear twice before the Board, which meets every other month, usually on the third Thursday of the month. There is a $100 fee for the two presentations payable at the first presentation. Notification is given to those candidates who have completed the preliminary evaluation, indicating the date, time and location of the next board meeting. At the Board meeting, the results of a candidate's evaluations are presented to the members, after which the candidate is introduced. The meeting between the candidate and Board members gives members the opportunity to ask any questions they may have and allows the the candidate to ask questions and to raise issues. If hormone treatment is approved at the first meeting, the candidate is then referred to the clinic endocrinologist.

APPROVAL FOR SURGERY

It is expected that candidates approved for hormone therapy and who anticipate sex reassignment surgery will follow the standards of care of the Harry Benjamin International Association of Gender Dysphoria. There is a minimum period of one year of hormone therapy and living full time in the desired sex before the Board will recommend surgery. Once these criteria are met, the candidate can contact the Board to schedule a second appearance in order to review the progress of transition, indicate compliance with the criteria and request a recommendation for surgery.

Once recommended for surgery the candidate makes direct contact and arrangements with the surgeon of their choice. Upon receipt of a written permission and the name and address of the surgeon, the Board will send
a letter of recommendation for surgery and copies of the evaluations to the surgeon.