Gender-affirming surgery completes Lori’s journey to her true self

For nearly 10 years, Lori Brinkley, of Perry, Iowa, took hormone therapy to align her body with her gender identity. To complete the transition, she needed gender-affirming surgery.

Lori assumed she might need to travel to out of state for the procedure, but she found the expert, respectful care she needed at the University of Iowa Health Care LGBTQ Clinic.

UI reconstructive urologists, including Brad A. Erickson, MD, performed Lori’s successful zero-depth vaginoplasty on Valentine’s Day 2020. UI Hospitals & Clinics is the only facility in Iowa that offers the procedure.

Grateful for experienced, affirming care

Lori, 69, moved to Iowa from Colorado in 2016 to be closer to her son and his family. With help from her LGBTQ support group in Des Moines, she found a family practice physician who treats transgender women.

When Lori was ready for gender-affirming surgery, her doctor referred her to the UI urology team, which specializes in zero-depth vaginoplasty—also known as vulvoplasty or bottom surgery.

Lori again looked to her support group to find out if the UI team was the right choice. She learned that a friend from the group was the team's first zero-depth vaginoplasty patient.

The UI Health Care LGBTQ Clinic was close to home and had everything Lori needed.

“I didn’t have to go to Wisconsin, New York, or Chicago,” she says. “I was excited that the doctors and the procedure I felt confident about were available in-state.”

Her first appointment with only increased that confidence.

“The receptionist greeted me with my preferred name,” she says. “The nurse called me in using my preferred name, which was already in my medical records. They made me feel comfortable with what was going to take place. Everyone was so nice and treated me professionally and respectfully.”

Team approach advocates for patients

Led by co-directors Nicole Nisly, MD, and Katherine L. Imborek, MD, the UI Health Care LGBTQ Clinic provides full-service medical care in a variety of disciplines, including the mental health services required for a referral for gender-affirmation surgery.

A key part of the clinic’s value is that its inclusivity extends across UI Health Care. Providers are trained to create a welcoming medical home for all patients.

Lori benefited from that team effort when a mass was discovered on Lori’s thigh. A cancer specialist followed up with Lori after surgery, and tests revealed it was cancer. Lori had no doubts about returning to UI Hospitals & Clinics for cancer treatment.

“I’m so blessed,” she says. “Everyone with UI Health Care is fantastic. Everyone I meet is accepting and treats me so well. It’s a wonderful place.”