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Transgender Surgical and Medical Center archive

The Transgender Surgical and Medical Center (TSMC) was in operation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania beginning in 1998 through 1999. This innovative clinic was developed by pioneering transgender medical professional Sheila Kirk. The three principals were:

Sheila Kirk, MD, F.A.O.G.-Board certified OB/GYN, Transgender Medicine Specialist/Surgeon, author of our community’s best-selling medical books and the first Transgender physician elected to the HBIGDA board. In addition to performing MTF GRS, Dr. Kirk specializes in FTM top surgeries, hysterectomies and related surgical procedures for MTFs and FTMs.

J. William Futrell, MD, F.A.C.S.-Chief and Professor of the University Pittsburgh Medical Center, Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Department. One of the nation’s most respected plastic surgeons. Dr. Futrell has vast experience in MTF/FTM GRS, feminization and masculinzation of the face and related MTF/FTM surgeries.

Ernest K. Manders, MD, F.A.C.S.- Board certified in micro and plastic reconstructive surgery. Dr. Manders is Professor of Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School. Specialists in Rib Removal and Male Pattern Baldness Surgery.

1998 press release

For Release Friday May, 1, 1998:

TRANSGENDER SURGICAL & MEDICAL CENTER (TSMC) SPECIALIZING IN COMPLETE TRANS CARE OPENS IN PITTSBURGH

Friday, May 1, 1998 (PITTSBURGH, PA, USA)  A new era in transgender care has begun in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  A city that is known for so
many medical “Firsts.”  For the first time in Trans History, a trans physician and surgeon,Sheila Kirk, has developed and is directing a facility specializing incomplete transgender surgical and medical care. In addition, Dr. Kirk is
performing MTF GRS, FTM top surgeries, hysterectomies and related surgical procedures for MTFs and FTMs.  The facility is named the Transgender Surgical & Medical Center or TSMC and the offices are located at 2100 Jane Street, Medical Professional Building, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Trans Care by Transprofessionals

“This step is a first step for our community, ” states Dr. Kirk, “a small step…when compared to the other steps that should and will follow in this relatively new discipline I like to refer to as Trans Care. However, it is an important step and signifies a positive shift that paves the way to fully utilize the immense medical and surgical talent that exists within our own community to help us treat our Sisters and Brothers. Transprofessionals caring for Trans people through all facets of their gender journey should be the norm not the exception. As TSMC grows, it is our goal to recruit Transprofessionals whose professional caliber and dedication matches TSMC’s philosophy of providing the highest standards of excellence.”

TSMC Team

Sheila Kirk, MD, F.A.O.G.-Board certified OB/GYN, Transgender
Medicine Specialist/Surgeon, author of our community’s best-selling
medical books and the first Transgender physician elected to the HBIGDA board. In addition to performing MTF GRS, Dr. Kirk specializes in FTM top surgeries, hysterectomies and related surgical procedures for MTFs and FTMs.

J. William Futrell, MD, F.A.C.S.-Chief and Professor of the
University Pittsburgh Medical Center, Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Department.  One of the nation’s most respected plastic surgeons, Dr. Futrell has vast experience in MTF/FTM GRS, feminization and masculinization of the face and related MTF/FTM surgeries.

Ernest K. Manders, MD, F.A.C.S.- Board certified in micro and plastic reconstructive surgery, Dr. Manders is Professor of Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School.

Specialist in Rib Removal &  Male Pattern Baldness Surgery

In addition to MTF/FTM GRS, Dr. Manders specialties include his
pioneered method for minimally invasive rib removal for MTFs and his
pioneered techniques for correcting male pattern baldness.

TSMC Provides the Highest Standards of Care & Excellence

“It gives me great pleasure to be an associate of these highly-skilled and compassionate surgeons,” Dr. Kirk said, “Our combined experience in transgender surgical and medical care and our mutual dedication will provide to our community the highest standards of care, concern and management throughout all stages of their medical and surgical needs.”

Partnership with Local Physicians & Therapists

TSMC provides complete medical care for non-op, pre-op and
post-op MTFs and FTMs including close partnership with one’s local physician and mental healthcare provider in all medical matters in addition to hormonal therapy.

Surgical Procedures Offered at TSMC

Surgical procedures for the MTF individuals include Gender Reassignment Surgery, breast augmentation, face feminization, minimally invasive rib
removal and a wide range of associated feminizing procedures. For FTM individuals: phalloplasty, top surgery, hysterectomy, clitoral freeing, facial masculinization are among the services available including an innovative surgical procedure for male pattern baldness.

For more complete information on the services offered and general
information, please contact Sheila Kirk, M.D. by phone (412) 781-1092, fax
(412) 781-1096, e-mail TSMC@aol.com or snail mail:  c/o TSMC,
P.O. Box 38366, Blawnox,  PA 15238.

TSMC is a registered trademark

1999 closure

An open letter to the community by Dr. Sheila Kirk

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

After much thought, and in some ways struggle, I have decided to retire from active surgical and medical practice on January 1, 2000. It has been a tough decision for a person such as myself. For almost 40 years, medicine has been a big part of my life and for the last 15 years, I have dedicated myself to helping my Community through my experience as a gynecologic surgeon and endo gynecologist.

The launching of TSMC, the first Center for transgender medical and surgical services, developed by a Transsexual surgeon (for those of you involved in the debate, yes, I am transsexual and yes, I have had surgery), has brought much joy to me. It has been hard work. But it has been a labor of love and worth the long hours both in and out of the consultation office and the operating room. The immediate and strong acceptance from our Community has been very rewarding. Perhaps the single most rewarding professional situation of my life. I wish to thank all of you who had the confidence in me and came to the TSMC surgical team for your surgical and medical needs because of my involvement.

But, now it is time, to turn my focus to my private life. To regain my piano technique (many of you may not know that I am classically trained). To take master courses with pianists I have always wanted to train under. To write more poetry and to finish the novel that I have been wanting to complete for several years now. And most importantly, to spend these days with my LifePartner, Pamela, who throughout the seven years of our Union/Communion, has been by my side, working to help to improve the lives of those within our Community so desperate for good care.

Peace & Light

Sheila Kirk, M.D.

(412) 781-1092, fax (412) 781-1096, e-mail TSMC@aol.com
or snail mail: c/o TSMC, P.O. Box 38366, Blawnox, PA 15238.

Former address:

2100 Jane Street, Medical Professional Building, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

References

Leach, Dawn (June 5, 1998). Pittsburgh Trans Doctor Opens Sex Reassignment Clinic Gay People’s Chronicle. http://www.ifge.org/news/1998/july/nws7128a.htm