In the inaugural episode of T Talks, we had the privilege of speaking with the renowned Endocrinologist from Bangalore, Dr. Pramila Kalra. With a wealth of experience in the field of Trans individuals and Hormone Replacement Therapy, Dr. Kalra shared valuable insights on how to secure a consultation appointment with herself or any other Endocrinologist.
First point of contact
Dr. Kalra initiated the conversation by discussing the preference of Endocrinologists for in-person patient interactions. According to her, “Having a face-to-face conversation and meeting the doctor in person is of utmost importance, as it allows us to assess the patient.”
What about people from remote areas?
According to Dr. Kalra, the challenge of traveling to urban areas to see specialists can be a hindrance for trans individuals residing in rural or remote areas. She stated, “It can be difficult for these patients to visit the doctor directly, as they may not have easy access due to their remote location.”
We are working towards establishing a unified set of guidelines. Our recommendation is that if it’s not possible to have a follow-up appointment with the doctor, you could visit a local general physician instead. This physician may not be knowledgeable in the treatment of gender incongruence, but they can still examine the patient, To give advice, we first verify crucial health measurements and so on. Another approach is available. According to our guidelines, the initial consultation is best conducted in person, but for those who are already undergoing treatment, subsequent check-ins can be conveniently done via online means. While in-person visits are crucial, if it’s not feasible, having a local physician examine the patient can suffice. This examination can include monitoring of blood pressure, weight measurement, and a physical examination. After speaking with the physician, we can commence treatment and have the doctor serve as a liaison between us.
Lack of experience with local doctors
Obtaining healthcare in remote locations is challenging, especially for trans individuals seeking treatment for gender incongruence. The lack of experience among local doctors in handling such cases adds to the difficulty. Dr. Kalra emphasized that local physicians do not necessarily need to have expertise in treating gender incongruence. The local doctor’s role is simply to perform basic tests, such as monitoring blood pressure, at the direction of the treating physician to ensure that the patient receives appropriate care.
General Physician or specialists?
Dr. Kalra clarified that local doctors do not need to have specialized training. They are simply offering assistance. According to Dr. Kalra, “The local doctor can be a general practitioner or a doctor with an M.B.B.S degree, and does not have to be an endocrinologist. They can be a GP or a family physician who can help us ensure that the patient’s basic health parameters and vitals are within normal range and that we are providing appropriate care.”
How to reach Dr Kalra?
Dr. Kalra is available to those seeking treatment from a certified, trans-friendly endocrinologist. She can be contacted through her online consultation page. It is possible to contact Dr Kalra either through WhatsApp or by phone call. She is based in Bangalore and works at MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, for those who prefer to reach her in person.
Want to talk but don’t want to show yourself?
Many transgender individuals feel uncomfortable about appearing on camera during consultations and prefer to remain anonymous. Despite this preference, While a video call is the preferred method, some patients may not want to show their faces, and that is completely acceptable. However, video calls are still the preferred option.
To reach out for specialised endocrinological advice, find Dr Kalra through her online consultation or if you are reaching out to someone else then keep these things in mind.