Gender Matters: Insights from a Physician

Early gender-affirming care can reduce the need for surgery later in life, but how many people realize this? In this episode, we uncover the overlooked truths about gender-affirming surgery, including why most surgeries in minors are actually performed on cisgender teens. If you’ve hesitated to support gender-affirming care for transgender youth, this conversation will challenge your assumptions a...

This unscheduled episode of Gender Matters: Insights from a Physician offers a medical perspective on the recent executive order redefining sex. I break down the order’s use of gendered language, omission of intersex individuals, and rejection of gender diversity, explaining why its claims conflict with scientific understanding. Designed for healthcare providers, this episode fosters empathy and c...

This episode explores the growing group of transgender patients who socially transitioned in childhood and pursue medical transition in adolescence. Decisions around medical transition are thoughtful and deliberate, and early affirmation provides unique advantages. Understanding this journey is critical, even for adult providers, to better serve patients who began transitioning as children. A prov...

What does social transition really mean for transgender children, and why does it matter? In this episode, I break down the realities of social transition—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it benefits transgender kids. With firsthand stories and research-backed insights, I address common questions and misconceptions, including how children understand their gender and whether social transition is...

Are you prepared to treat transgender adults who transitioned before puberty? Most conversations about transgender healthcare focus on those who transition after puberty—but what about those who transition earlier in life? The first generation of transgender people who transitioned in childhood are now adults, yet many medical providers have never considered how their experiences and healthcare ne...

Learning new names and pronouns can feel daunting at first—but why is it so hard? In this encore episode, we dive into the brain’s role in learning and why it takes conscious effort to create new habits. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges involved and find encouragement to keep going, knowing it will get easier. Along the way, I’ll share practical strategies to help you disrupt o...

Congress is doing something unprecedented—legislating healthcare coverage for TRICARE in a way it never has before. In this episode, I discuss H.R. 5009, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a political amendment in Section 708 that directly affects patient care. This amendment, buried within a crucial bill funding our nation’s military defense, prohibits TRICARE from cove...

Start your journey toward inclusivity! This week, explore the School for Engendering Inclusivity—your resource for gender education, live office hours, and practical tools. With the holidays near, it’s the perfect time to prepare for meaningful conversations or a New Year’s resolution to be a better ally. Plus, don’t miss our favorite episodes packed with actionable insights and a teaser for Janua...

I dive into the medical arguments behind United States vs. Skrmetti —what’s said, what’s left unclear, and how subjective terms like “new” and “experimental” shape perceptions. You’ll hear why banning gender-affirming care for minors contradicts established medical practices and why these treatments deserve thoughtful understanding, not sweeping legislation. If you’ve ever wondered how words influ...

In this episode of Gender Matters: Insights from a Physician , we explore a challenge many face today: how to critically evaluate what we hear about gender from people we assume are “experts.” Just because someone holds a specific title or shares a personal connection to the topic doesn’t mean their perspective is comprehensive—or even accurate. Join me as I share a fascinating story from a transg...

Representative Sarah McBride’s historic election should be a moment of progress, yet it’s met with a wave of anti-trans bathroom bills. These laws claim to protect, but who—or what—are they really protecting against? In this episode, we unpack the myths fueling this legislation, examine the real safety statistics, and challenge you to reflect: What do you think is unsafe, and why? Join us as we ex...

Providing gender-inclusive care aligns with the very foundation of medicine, honoring each patient as a unique individual. In this episode, we reveal how inclusive language goes beyond serving a few—it’s an essential part of patient-centered care that elevates care for all.  Join us to see how small changes in language can strengthen trust, foster connection, and fulfill our highest responsibiliti...

In the wake of the recent presidential election, many transgender and nonbinary patients—and their families—are grappling with renewed uncertainty and concerns for their safety, respect, and access to care. As physicians, we have an opportunity to play a key role in addressing these fears and providing the support our patients need now more than ever. In this episode, I share insights on what I’m...

Why do we accept a 97% success rate as a gold standard for cardiac care yet question it for transgender youth who receive gender-affirming care? In this episode, Dr. Panszi explores a pivotal new study from JAMA Pediatrics that examines satisfaction, regret, and continuation of care rates among transgender youth who received their gender-affirming care at the start of puberty. At 97%, the continua...

As physicians, we know there’s an unwritten rule: don’t discuss politics or religion with patients. But when it comes to correcting misinformation, especially about gender-affirming care, this is not a political act—it’s our responsibility. In this episode, I explore why some providers shy away from addressing myths and misconceptions, how this confusion is affecting our practice, and why it’s tim...

What’s the harm in making a joke about pronouns? In this episode, Dr. Shannon Panszi examines why casual humor around pronouns can undermine the experiences of transgender and nonbinary individuals, even when shared by well-meaning allies. Have you encountered jokes about pronouns, or maybe even shared one yourself? Listen in, reflect, and consider how you can contribute to a more respectful and s...

Do you know what to do if someone is misgendered? Are you concerned about responding the 'wrong' way? In this episode, we dive into the complexities of addressing misgendering, using a scene from the documentary Will & Harper as a guide. Discover practical strategies for offering support and the crucial conversations that can make a difference. Join us as we explore the courage it ta...

Ever assumed someone’s gender by how they look? Think again. In this episode, we explore the difference between gender identity and gender expression and why our visual assumptions often miss the mark. Join us for a deep dive into how shifting our approach can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all patients—no matter how they present. This episode is your invitation to reflect a...

In this episode, I reflect on the long journey toward gender inclusivity in healthcare, focusing on how small steps can gradually move us toward meaningful change. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the task, but each small action matters in the greater picture. Join me as I explore how learning about gender diversity benefits not only transgender and nonbinary patients but improves...

In this episode, Dr. Shannon Panszi addresses the discomfort some feel when shifting away from referring to OB/GYN care as ‘women’s health.’ She validates these feelings while exploring how inclusive language ultimately benefits everyone—without erasing anyone’s identity. Dr. Panszi shares responses from listeners, including those who felt threatened by the change and those who found empowerment i...

In this episode, Dr. Shannon Panszi continues the conversation on the language we use in obstetrics and gynecology and why it’s time to stop referring to it as "women’s health."  Picking up from the first part, which asked listeners to reflect on their use of gendered language, Dr. Panszi now shares her decisions about avoiding "women’s health." Dr. Panszi also addresses the co...

Episode Title: Stop Calling Ob/Gyn 'Women's Health' In this episode of Engender Love Podcast , Dr. Shannon Panszi challenges healthcare providers to move beyond binary language in obstetrics and gynecology. Highlights: Language Evolution: Reflect on the progress from avoiding assumptions about marital status and partner gender to adopting terms like “partner” and “spouse.” Embrace I...

In this episode, Dr. Shannon Panszi reflects on the recent cancellation of a crucial conference for transgender and nonbinary families, highlighting the urgent need for protective spaces for these children. She shares a compelling exercise encouraging listeners to consider their own actions in safeguarding children and emphasizes the importance of learning, educating, and speaking up to ensure all...

In this episode, I reflect on the process of creating my previous podcast, Episode 30, "Should Transgender Women Athletes Be Allowed to Compete in Women's Sports?" I share my struggles in finding equitable solutions for transgender athletes within a flawed system and discuss the insights I gained. Join me as I explore the complexities and how I worked through them to reach my conclu...

I explore the complex question of whether transgender women athletes should compete in women's sports, from recreational leagues to the Olympics. Discover diverse perspectives, current regulations in sports organizations, and the historical context of transgender athletes in the Olympics. I also discuss the definitions of how we currently define the categories, fairness in sports, and propose...