Includes bibliographical references (pages 185-212) and index (pages 213-222).

"Stef Shuster traces the development of trans medicine since the 1950s to modern medicine to show how providers create and use scientific and medical evidence to "treat" a gender identity. But, why do medical providers have authority over gender? And, what might the consequences of how providers make decisions in trans medicine teach us about medicine in general? Using historical documents, interviews with physicians and therapists, and observations of health conferences, Trans Medicine offers a rare opportunity to understand how providers make decisions given widespread uncertainty while facing challenges to their expertise. In the process of negotiating these challenges in the "treatment" of gender, providers have acquired authority not only in this medical area, but over gender itself"--Provided by publisher.

Emerging in the mid-twentieth century, yet shrouded in social stigma, transgender medicine is now a rapidly growing medical field. In Trans Medicine, Stef M. Shuster explores its development and how it is being used to "treat" gender identity today. From genital reconstructions to hormone injections, Shuster shows that the practice of trans medicine charts new medical ground, often compelling medical professionals to plan treatments without large-scale clinical trials to back them up. Relying on cultural norms and gut instincts to inform their treatment plans, Shuster shows how medical providers' lack of clinical experience and scientific research can undermine their ability to interact with patients, craft treatment plans, and make medical decisions. As providers navigate the developing knowledge surrounding the medical care of trans folk, Trans Medicine offers a rare opportunity to understand how providers make decisions, and how they ultimately acquired authority not only over clinical outcomes, but over gender itself--Back cover.

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