Why choose Cook Children’s for variations of sex characteristics care
Variations of sex characteristics (VSC) refers to any condition in which the sex chromosomes, gonads, and/or reproductive anatomy are atypical. Sometimes families will know that there is a concern during pregnancy or shortly after birth. Other times, concerns don't arise until later in childhood or adolescence. VSCs generally aren't life-threatening and children can live a healthy life with these diagnoses.
If your child has a VSC, you don't have to navigate the diagnosis alone. We partner with you to develop the best care plan that supports your child. You may hear us refer to our clinic as the Family-Oriented Care for Children with Urogenital and Sex Differences (FOCUSeD) Clinic. We provide targeted, comprehensive, empathetic care for individuals of all ages.
What you can expect
Our clinic includes some of the nation's top experts. We're one of only a few programs in the country with the expertise to treat the full range of VSCs. At our clinic, you can expect:
Your child's care includes experts in Endocrinology, Urology, Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Genetics and Social Services. We work closely with each other and you to create personalized care plans for your child's needs.
Our team provides comprehensive support to help you navigate medical treatments and decision-making. We also help you cope with the emotional and social challenges of a diagnosis. Ours is one of the few programs in the country with integrated Behavioral Health experts because we prioritize family-centered, holistic care that accounts for all your child's and family's needs.
Our dedicated clinic coordinator works hard to ensure your child's care goes as smoothly as possible. Before your appointment, we gather all their relevant imaging, labs and genetic studies. This information helps us know which specialists to schedule for your child so they get efficient, targeted care.
Our team has extensive knowledge in navigating the unique aspects of VSC care. We have comprehensive expertise in the legal, financial, ethical, and cultural concerns that can arise related to a VSC diagnosis. Our team provides assistance and support to patients and their families every step of the way.
VSC treatment is complex and constantly changing. Your child gets care from specialists with leading-edge expertise. We follow the latest best practices to ensure that your child gets the most effective therapies.
We recognize that a VSC diagnosis can cause uncertainty or anxiety. We're here to answer all your questions, help you understand the condition and provide your child with best-in-class treatment. Our team treats your whole family with kindness and compassion every step of the way.
Your specialized care team
Our team includes specialists, researchers, case workers and more.
- Mabel Geyer, RN, Clinic Coordinator
- Jennifer Hayes, Pastoral Care
- Alicia Hernandez, MS, CGC, Genetics
- Jessica Moore, PhD, Clinical Ethics
- Annie Stewart, LCSW, Clinical Therapy
Advancing VSC care
Our specialists provide a full range of treatments and services for children with VSCs. Your child's care might include:
Many children in our clinic have already had extensive imaging or genetic testing. We gather all their records before their visit so we know the next steps to recommend. Often, your child gets more specialized testing with our experts after their first visit.
Many children with DSDs benefit from therapies that address hormone production and puberty. Our endocrinologists use research-based treatments to improve your child's quality of life and development.
Sometimes surgical interventions are needed or wanted by patients and families. Our urologists and adolescent gynecologists help your family make the best decisions for your child about if and when to choose surgery.
We work closely with the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Program to offer fertility preservation when appropriate. Patients with a present-at-birth (congenital) diagnosis that may affect their fertility may be eligible for fertility preservation services. Cook Children's is one of very few facilities that offers these types of services.
Moments of magic
Hope and healing happen every day here at Cook Children's. Discover some of our highlights.
