Residents Champion LGBTQ2S+ Inclusion at Inclusive Health Conference

Drs. Paul Lerner and Chantal Allan

Drs. Paul Lerner and Chantal Allan presented at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry’s Inclusive Health Conference in March. Dr. Allan talked about gender affirming bottom surgery, including her research on vaginoplasty.

Dr. Lerner presented about the Department’s chapter of Association of Out Surgeons and Allies. AOSA is a national organization dedicated to fostering acceptance, inclusion, and equity for LGBTQ2S+ individuals in surgical specialties. Its mission is to support learners, clinicians, and researchers through community-building, mentorship, outreach, education, and professional development—ultimately promoting a dignified, stigma-free surgical career for LGBTQ2S+ surgeons and trainees.

Dr. Allan says  

Residents highlighted advances in gender-affirming surgery and the Department’s commitment to LGBTQ2S+ inclusion at the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry’s Inclusive Health Conference in March, through the Association of Out Surgeons and Allies (AOSA).

Dr. Chantal Allan presented on gender-affirming bottom surgery, including her research on vaginoplasty, while Dr. Paul Lerner showcased the Department’s AOSA chapter. AOSA is a national organization promoting acceptance, inclusion, and equity for LGBTQ2S+ individuals in surgical specialties. Its mission is to support learners, clinicians, and researchers through mentorship, community-building, outreach, education, and professional development, helping create stigma-free, dignified careers for LGBTQ2S+ surgeons and trainees.

Dr. Allan said, "Peritoneal flap vaginoplasty is a new technique for gender affirming surgery that confers different advantages and disadvantages compared to the traditional penile inversion technique. My research aims to understand these differences to improve patient decision making and selection for each type of procedure. Though robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty is not yet available in Canada, I hope that our country can adopt this technology to one day become a leader in the field of gender affirming bottom surgery."

Dr. Lerner said, "The Association of Out Surgeons and Allies helps create space for trainees and surgeons to feel supported, visible, and able to bring their full selves to work. Building inclusive surgical communities strengthens mentorship, supports wellbeing, and helps create learning environments where trainees can thrive and develop as both clinicians and leaders."

Want to get involved? Contact AOSA