What is ExPAND Care?
ExPAND Care will evaluate how a structured learning collaborative helps “willing but unable” clinics implement and sustain gender-affirming care (GAC) services. The goal is to build a resilient network of providers by addressing legal, clinical, workflow, and feasibility barriers utilizing UChicago’s Reproductive Health Outcomes and Disparities lab (RHOADs).

Our Vision
ExPAND Care aims to transform motivated clinics into confident, capable providers of GAC, drawing on the strengths of ExPAND Care’s model. Our program equips clinicians and staff with the training and support needed to integrate gender affirming care, with a focus on increasing access for the most vulnerable populations.

The program will be focused on the following audiences:

• Independent practices
• Clinics that can sustain services regardless of federal funding

By completing the program, practices will:

• Initiate or expand provision of gender care for trans patients
• Move ahead on the continuum of comprehensive medical service provision across the GAC lifespan, including:
  
  • Gender-affirming hormones for adults
  • Gender-affirming hormones for adolescents
  • Puberty suppression
  • Mental health assessment and provision or referral for appropriate services for transgender adults, teens, and pediatric patients and their families
  • Counseling about surgical treatment options, pre-operative assessment, and referral for appropriate care
• Have the clinical knowledge and team preparedness to provide the most comprehensive services feasible for your practice
• Have a community of peers and expert clinicians to turn to, as well as legal experts who can assist when needed