Queensland hospital settles dispute with psychiatrist over gender care approach

Dr. Jillian Spencer, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, has reached a confidential settlement with Children's Health Queensland (CHQ), ending her employment with the Queensland Children's Hospital. Dr. Spencer was suspended in April 2023 after publicly criticizing the hospital's approach to treating children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria, particularly its use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.

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Dr Spencer has been a strong advocate for change in Queensland in the model of care for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.

The settlement signifies the discontinuation of all disciplinary proceedings against Dr. Spencer. In a statement, CHQ acknowledged that disputes with the psychiatrist "have now been settled" and resolved by "mutual agreement." The hospital group also stated that it accepted Dr. Spencer's concerns were "grounded in her training and background as an experienced child and adolescent psychiatrist."

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One of the features of the clinical approach that Dr Spencer has sought is the delay in medical interventions for such patients until adulthood, including puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, because they are serious decisions regarding their body and long-term health.

Dr. Spencer has been a vocal advocate for a "watchful waiting" approach, emphasizing the significant and long-term implications of medical interventions for young patients. She argued for delaying treatments like puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones until patients reach adulthood, stressing the importance of careful consideration regarding their bodies and long-term health. Her stance has been that clinicians play a vital role in raising concerns about patient safety and clinical practices.

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CHQ said it accepted that Dr Spencer's concerns were "grounded in her training and background as an experienced child and adolescent psychiatrist".

Dr. Spencer expressed relief, stating she felt "vindicated" by the settlement. "This is a huge relief, and this victory makes it very clear I never did anything wrong by speaking out and trying to protect children from these harmful interventions," she said. The settlement allows her to continue practicing as a psychiatrist. This development follows the Queensland government's decision last year to ban puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for new child and adolescent patients in the public sector, pending further research.

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This is a huge relief, and this victory makes it very clear I never did anything wrong by speaking out and trying to protect children from these harmful interventions.