RESOURCES • FAMILY CARE TEAMS WEBINAR SERIES

This webinar focused on strengthening gender‑affirming care within Family Care Teams in Newfoundland and Labrador through the introduction of a new clinical toolkit and discussion of best practices to support patients. The session opened with remarks from Adam Reid, who welcomed participants, introduced guest speaker Cindy Knapman, and acknowledged the contributions of the organizing committee. Presenters highlighted that Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the highest proportions of gender‑diverse individuals in Canada, underscoring the importance of accessible, inclusive primary care. The discussion emphasized that while gender‑affirming care is a core component of family practice, it often involves referrals to specialized providers and requires thoughtful coordination across the healthcare system. Speakers addressed the impact of historical mistrust in medical institutions on care‑seeking behaviors among gender‑diverse individuals and stressed the importance of building trust through respectful, informed, and patient‑centred care. Key themes included the need for comprehensive understanding of patients’ medical, psychological, and social histories to support informed consent, as well as patient education regarding available resources and realistic expectations throughout medical transition. The webinar also outlined clinical pathways for gender‑affirming care, including hormone therapy and transition‑related surgeries, and highlighted the role of healthcare providers in addressing challenges, identifying supports, and creating inclusive practice environments to improve patient experiences and outcomes. The session concluded with an overview of the upcoming toolkit, which will provide detailed guidance on processes, documentation, and region‑specific resources to support Family Care Teams in delivering gender‑affirming care.

``

« Webinars Home