Why do you think it's important to discuss transgender youth and their mental health?

I think it's crucial to discuss transgender youth and their mental health because they are often subjected to irreversible treatments and medical interventions without proper understanding or consent, and it's essential to advocate for evidence-based healthcare and support.

What are some common misconceptions about gender-affirming care for transgender youth?

One common misconception is that doctors are forcing irreversible treatments on transgender youth, when in fact, evidence-based care involves a collaborative process between the patient, family, and healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcome for the child's mental and physical health.

How do you respond to critics who argue that gender identity is a social construct and not biological?

As a psychiatrist, I focus on the science and the experiences of transgender youth, who are not asking to be 'socially constructed' but rather, are seeking to align their gender identity with their biology and sense of self, which is a fundamental human right.

The Science & Controversy of Transgender Healthcare

Dr. Mikhail Varshavski, better known as “Dr. Mike,” serves as a primary care physician at Chatham (N.J.) Family Medicine. In keeping with his motto that people should be “alert, not anxious,” he communicates the value of preventive medicine and healthy lifestyle choices not only in his face-to-face interactions but to over 13 million followers on his social media platforms and YouTube channel, as well as in his many speaking engagements and media appearances.

Having established himself as a trusted source of information, Dr. Mike Varshavski has made appearances and consulted on CNN, ABC and Fox News, while also interviewing such notable healthcare professionals as Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and Dr. David Feinberg, the head of Google Health.

Dr. Mike is also a regular contributor to publications including Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Reader’s Digest, the American Academy of Family Physicians Blog and MedPageToday. Additionally, he has presented seminars and lectures for the TEDx Conference and Mayo Clinic, among others.