Good day sir or ma’am;
My name is Carline and I am a transgendered women who has had the misfortune of being born as a genetic male. I am a llittle confused on a few faucets of your SRS requirements.
I am a 31 year women and yet I still need to go see two clinicians in order to receive your SRS services correct? This is an enigma to me as I and I alone am in charge of my own destiny. I have been living as a women for a year and half now, although not all at once as finding gainful employment as a transgendered female is difficult at best. I am confused as to why I am going to have to pay several thousand dollars to a surgeon to fix me and yet I still have to pay at least two others even more money to approve my decision? I would like to know when it became acceptable to dictate to me what is in my best interest, especially when its going to cost me so much more then I have. I have tried to see transgendered psychologists and psychiatrists but due to financial hardship I am unable to do so on a regular basis.
It seems to be the best interest of the transgendered community is not the goal; it seems its all about money. I have already spent thousands of dollars on my condition and yet its still not enough? I don’t know what more I can do as last year I was laid off three times. I am a full time college student with three majors and I plan on attending medical school next fall. Because of my age I cannot postpone my academic career any longer, but the thought of transitioning while in medical school is less then appealing as well. It sems no one cares about the underlying issues with the transgendered community; its all about the money. My issue is not psychological or psychiatric; its physical. The causes of my condition is physical.
I have had jobs in femme, but they were always menial and less then gainful. It is impossible for me to obtain employment as a women which would compensate me well enough to pay for the counseling and save for the surgery; even if I had no living expenses it would be challenging. With this in mind, it seems no one cares; not the politicians and certainly not the physicains who have the ability to make these things right. Please forgive me for being so frank and blunt but its sickening to see. I know other transgendered women who have committed suicide for these very reasons.
I am not trying to be insulting; I am simply interested to see what my options are and why it is difficult to get anything done pertaining to my condition. I suffer from Gender Identity Disorder not mental retardation or insanity. I don’t need therapy I need surgery.
It is my sincerest hope you can understanding where I am coming from. I am open to any suggestions or answers you may have.
Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Carline
July 4, 2010
Good afternoon Carline,
Sounds like you are well on your way.
I believe in the work ethic and I am sure whatever your career choice is going to be, you expect to get paid for your services, so don’t be bitter about that. The average income for a physician is very enviable to most people. I did not start practice until I was 33. Every coin has 2 sides.
Yes for 2010 we did have a Grant program… our slogan, “the first 10 in 2010.”
There is only one grant position left (to be used only for truly financially challenged patients) and a few patients are eying that.
In the event it is taken, Anne may offer individual consideration as she is the maker of deals and the brains behind pa.
If you believe I am the doctor for you, please initiate a consultation with our office by sending us your name, address, and phone number in an envelope along with a check for 250 and you will receive a call ASAP. We’ll have a lot to talk about.
There is a lot of information we need to put out to you as well as address all of your concerns, including scheduling and followup care. Anticipate we will show you every courtesy.
To respond to your concern about therapy clearance being unnecessary, the incidence of remorse is about 3% and like with marriages, everybody says “I do” but then at times things change. Surgery is irreversible.
You may not need therapy, but you are required to have clearance by a 2 licensed therapists. Think of it as an evaluation which may be done very efficiently and for minimal cost.
Here are some great, compassionate, no nonsense therapists, all with doctoral degrees, many who will do tele-therapy or evaluations to be confirmed by a face to face meeting when you are in the south Florida area..
Dr. Maylin Batista (4005 NW 114TH Ave., Doral, Fl) (305) 316-4079
Dr. Krista Bloom Plantation 754-234-6991
Dr. Carol L. Clark (closest to our office) 305-757-6070
Dr. Kathleen L. Farrell (St. Petersburg, Fl) 727.551.9851
Dr. Anagloria Mora , South Miami, (also speaks Spanish) 305 333 2263
Dr. Gladys Sanchez-Bello (also speaks Spanish) 954 201 2309
Dr. Marcia Schultz (3111 N. University Drive Suite 400 Coral Springs, Fl. 33065) 954 649 1957
Dr. Marilyn Volker, (Coral Gables, Fl), 305-443-8850
Dr. Marcy D. Weiss, (West Palm Beach, Fl) 561 702 2228
Please present your history briefly: age, MTF, how long you have been living 100% en femme, and the surgical procedure you would like to have. Ask for an estimation of a price quote, and possible initial telephone interview.
Have a sunny and safe July 4th,
Harold M. Reed, M.D.
305-865-2000
1111 Kane Concourse, Suite # 311
Bay Harbor Islands, Fl 33154-2041