Dr. Afsaneh Mitra Schäffer

"Contact with staff always friendly/polite; no name/pronoun change has yet taken place, so no experience of how this will work, but I am very sure that all that is needed is a reference to or open address to the desired form of address. I have no recollection of the wording of the medical history form, as it was many years ago that I had to fill it out. Basically, the practice is designed for ‘biologically female’ patients and especially obstetrics, even in the artwork and flyers. Don't be put off by this, respectful and empathetic treatment by the doctor, use of the chosen name and pronouns throughout. Thinking together about the special features of hormone therapy and taking concerns seriously. I have been a patient there for over 12 years, initially as a ‘binary female’ - my then extreme gender dysphoria (and continuing asexuality) was (and is) always treated respectfully and sensitively. I would have received a referral to hysto much earlier if I had wanted to. As a non-binary transmasc I had no chance of getting the top surgery through the health insurance, so it was done privately without the help of the practice. The doctor is open and well-informed about the whole issue of gender and queerness and helps as much as she can. Unfortunately, she cannot initiate or accompany hormone therapy or provide expert opinions. However, she has gone to a lot of trouble to find addresses for me and to provide me with advice."