Event details
Gender-Affirming Surgery: Mental Health Referral Letters & Patient Processes with Dr. Kara Nishimuta
1.0 Hour CE via Zoom Free for members, $25 for non-members
This presentation will aim to discuss the process for gender-affirming surgery for patients in the state of Kansas. We will review the standards of care published by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and the process for mental health evaluation and support letters. We will also explore common missteps in working with gender-diverse patients, themes that tend to present in working with this population, and what is included in patients' processes of pursuing these surgeries.
Dr. Nishimuta is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. They joined the faculty in 2022 after finishing their post-doctoral fellowship training at KUMC. Currently, Dr. Nishimuta's primary role is providing psychological services for patients undergoing advanced heart failure therapies. She works closely with both the heart transplant and LVAD teams through the Center for Transplantation.
Dr. Nishimuta's work primarily focuses on chronic illness and trauma, as well as care of LGBTQ+ individuals. In addition to working in cardiology, she provides psychotherapy for LGBTQ+ individuals who are engaging in identity exploration, interested in gender-affirming surgery, or who want a provider who is LGBTQ+ focused. Dr. Nishimuta often writes referral letters for hormone replacement therapy or gender affirming surgery.