Supporting gender affirming care in primary practice: Join the Medical Care for Trans Patients ECHO
Gender‑affirming medical care plays an important role in supporting the health and wellbeing of trans and gender diverse peoples.
To support local primary healthcare providers to deliver inclusive, evidence‑based and compassionate care, Children’s Health Queensland is offering Project ECHO – Medical Care for Trans Patients. These online sessions are designed for general practitioners (GPs), nurse practitioners, and sexual health physicians to build confidence and capability in working with trans and gender diverse patients.
Clinicians may be aware of the Ministerial Direction – Treatment of gender dysphoria in children and adolescents with hormone therapy, which currently limits the prescribing of puberty blockers within the public health system. The Medical Care for Trans Patients ECHO offers an opportunity to stay informed, connected and supported during this time.
What is Project ECHO – Medical Care for Trans Patients?
Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is an interactive learning model that connects participants with a panel of specialists.
The Medical Care for Trans Patients ECHO provides a supportive forum for clinicians who have questions about gender‑affirming care or who would like to strengthen their knowledge in this area. Sessions are delivered online, allowing participants to join from their practice or home.
Participants will be supported by a multidisciplinary panel to provide guidance and practical insights to support primary care clinicians in their everyday work. Children’s Health Queensland panel member include:
Dr Bec Abrahall – Adolescent and Young Adult Physician
Dr Mitch Krosch – GP with Special Interest
Dr Stuart Aitken – Sexual Health Physician
Tamara McGuigan – Social Worker
Dr Kerry Buchanan – Paediatric Endocrinologist
The ECHO will explore practical and commonly encountered aspects of gender‑affirming care, including:
creating an affirming and inclusive clinical environment
menstrual suppression
androgen blockers
commencing and maintaining testosterone or oestrogen
standards of care.
Each session includes the opportunity for a participant to discuss a de‑identified clinical case, enabling peer discussion, shared learning and specialist input on real‑world primary healthcare scenarios.
To bring a de-identified case for discussion, complete the case template and email it to [email protected].
Join an upcoming Project ECHO – Medical Care for Trans Patients
Register for the following 2026 session dates:
For further information, contact Phil Nixon (Network Coordinator – Project ECHO, Children’s Health Queensland) via 3069 7120 or email [email protected].
Further resources for healthcare professionals
Brisbane South HealthPathways provides localised patient care and referral pathway advice on transgender health and gender diversity in adults and gender-affirming hormone therapy.
TransHub is digital resource hub with a page for clinicians.
Open Doors Youth Service is a safe space for young gender diverse patients seeking counselling and connection.