Meet our candidates

In the current political climate, it is important that EPATH actively protects and advocates for the rights of transgender individuals. Our responsibility is to speak out against policies that may undermine these rights and to promote access to gender-affirming care in its broadest sense—beyond just medical interventions—so that each individual can freely choose their own path. We must also work to educate the wider public on the true meaning of diversity and emphasize that embracing it poses no threat to the broader community, of which we are all a part. Building bridges, extending support, and addressing misinformation from those who spread misleading messages are essential steps in this effort. Collaboration is key; we should partner with other organizations, both global and local, to advance our shared goals. It is crucial to protect those at risk of harm from harmful policies and to offer assistance where needed. Rather than engaging in unproductive disputes, we should focus on informing the public with accurate, scientifically supported data. Through this approach, EPATH can strengthen its impact and uphold its mission to support and defend transgender rights effectively.

I would very much like EPATH to continue and further strengthen its active role in countering misinformation. We are living in times when decontextualised research findings – and sometimes even half-truths or outright falsehoods – are used to discredit trans-affirmative medical and psychological care, and to undermine the dignity and rights of transgender and gender-diverse individuals, as well as the professionals who support them. 

Combining my personal passion and commitment with a vision of what EPATH could contribute in this area, I would dream of seeing EPATH take the lead on a major European initiative – similar to those led by societies such as ESSM – resulting in a comprehensive, multi-author, multi-disciplinary volume or handbook on gender diversity, trans identities, and trans health. This work would be written by a diverse group of specialists representing the European continent. Such a publication could serve as a powerful tool in dispelling myths and providing reliable, evidence-based knowledge. I would be very keen to contribute to such a project as one of its co-editors and collaborators. 

I envision EPATH serving as a cultural platform that both transgender individuals and scientists can utilize to amplify voices and disseminate scientific information. Our targets include governmental agencies, healthcare organizations, and providers. Specifically, EPATH will establish direct communication channels with Ministries of Health across target countries to ensure the provision of care in each member country. Our specific aims encompass affirming rights, fostering research, and promoting evidence-based care for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. 

 As a healthcare provider, I recognize that the cornerstone of optimal care lies in a multidisciplinary approach involving specialists from various fields, who must also collaborate with social services and governmental agencies. 

Considering my professional path so far and the worldwide situation, I strongly believe that EPATH’s mission is essential in this historical moment and that we need to stand united as colleagues to respond to the attacks on gender-affirming medical and social pathways. Joining the board would be an opportunity to contribute to a shared effort, to exchange expertise across countries, and to strengthen our collective voice in defending access to affirming care, defend trans health rights, and contribute to high-quality clinical and research standards across Europe. Only through collective support and evidence-based advocacy we can protect the rights and well-being of TGD individuals. 

As a specialist in transgender health and surgery, I have dedicated a significant part of my clinical and academic work to advancing high-quality, affirming, and evidence-based care for transgender individuals. My professional background is rooted in surgical practice, complemented by close interdisciplinary collaboration. Over the years, I have worked side by side with urologists, gynaecologists, psychiatrists, and specialists from a wide range of internal medicine disciplines to ensure holistic care for my patients. My vision for EPATH is to further promote this interdisciplinary model: moving from isolated expertise within single disciplines toward a truly integrated, transdisciplinary approach—centred around the transgender individual and led by committed teams working in unison. I believe that transgender surgery should not be seen as a stand-alone intervention, but as one component in a continuum of care that encompasses mental health, endocrinology, primary care, legal support, and social integration. With this vision in mind, I have actively contributed to the development of national and international guidelines in transgender health care, and I have co-organized five symposia on transgender surgery in Münster and Frankfurt. These gatherings have not only fostered dialogue between different disciplines but have also provided platforms for young professionals and researchers to engage with the latest clinical and scientific developments. If given the opportunity to serve on the EPATH Board, I would work to strengthen interdisciplinary structures across Europe and to promote training, research, and policy-making that reflects the complex and diverse realities of transgender people’s lives. I am especially committed to ensuring that the voices of trans individuals and the lived experiences of patients remain central in all aspects of our professional work. EPATH has already made great strides in promoting collaboration, education, and research in transgender health. I would be honoured to contribute to this mission by sharing my clinical expertise, research experience, and long-standing commitment to building inclusive, collaborative networks in transgender health care.

As a trained plastic surgeon specializing in transgender care and surgery, I have dedicated my professional life to advancing the quality, accessibility, and ethical standards of gender-affirming procedures. My commitment extends beyond the operating room—I strive to shape a multidisciplinary, evidence-based, and compassionate approach to transgender healthcare. Joining the EPATH board is a natural next step in contributing to the evolution of our field and supporting the diverse needs of the transgender community.
My clinical practice has focused on gender-affirming surgical procedures, where I have had the privilege of helping individuals align their bodies with their identities. I have developed specific expertise in both feminizing and masculinizing surgeries, working closely with patients to ensure care that is not only technically precise but also deeply respectful of individual goals and identities. I believe that excellence in transgender care can only be achieved through both surgical skill and an empathetic, individualized approach to treatment.
In addition to my clinical work, I am deeply involved in surgical education. I actively teach and mentor younger surgeons to uphold high standards in transgender care, emphasizing both technique and the ethical dimensions of practice. My goal is to ensure the next generation of surgeons is well-equipped not only with technical proficiency but also with cultural competence and sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by transgender individuals.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of my approach. I work in close cooperation with colleagues across multiple disciplines, including urology, gynaecology, psychiatry, and sexual medicine. I believe that true excellence in transgender healthcare requires an integrated, team-based model that brings together diverse expertise for the benefit of the patient. As part of this model, I am committed to building networks and facilitating communication between surgical and non-surgical disciplines.
My approach is research-driven, as I believe that innovation, quality improvement, and accountability in transgender care must be grounded in robust scientific evidence. I am committed to contributing to EPATH’s academic and scientific mission, fostering high-quality research that reflects the realities of transgender lives and informs clinical decision-making. Furthermore, I am passionate about contributing to the empowerment of minorities, particularly those who face compounded marginalization. I view EPATH as a platform to amplify underrepresented voices and promote healthcare equity across all dimensions of identity, including race, socioeconomic status, and geographic location.

It would be an honour to bring my clinical experience, educational commitment, and collaborative spirit to the EPATH board. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to a shared vision of inclusive, ethical, and forward-thinking transgender healthcare in Europe.