ISSM/WPATH Webinar: Implants for Phalloplasty — Surgical and Physical Therapy Perspectives
The Joint ISSM/WPATH on Implants for Phalloplasty: Surgery and Physical Therapy Considerations took place on October 24, 2025.
It was a dynamic, multidisciplinary session exploring key considerations around implants for phalloplasty. Moderated by Dr. Gail Knudson and Dr. Jennifer Anger, this webinar featured a 40-minute presentation on physical therapy approaches by Laura Ross and Kat Nasseri, followed by a 20-minute surgical perspective from Dr. Mang Chen. The session concluded with a Q&A.
Program
- Physical Therapy Approach: Laura Ross and Kat Nasseri
- Urology Approach: Mang Chen
- Q&A
Gail KnudsonCanada
Dr. Gail Knudson, MD, MEd, FRCPC (she/hers) is a Clinical Professor at the University of British Columbia and a Consultant Psychiatrist at Vancouver Coastal Health, focusing on sexual medicine and the health of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. Her work includes co-authoring the WPATH Standards of Care versions 7 and 8, contributing to the WHO Guideline Development Group for TGD health, and participating in the International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM) 2024, reflecting her commitment to healthcare standards globally.
As the Medical Programming Lead for the WPATH Global Education Institute, Dr. Knudson plays an active role in promoting TGD health education. Her work with the International Medical Advisory Panel (IMAP) for the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and her involvement in the WHO Implementing Best Practice (IBP) Network are centered on advancing sexual and reproductive health practices globally, further illustrating her commitment to enhancing healthcare standards.
Through her leadership roles and international efforts, Dr. Knudson is dedicated to improving healthcare for TGD communities and contributing to the advancement of sexual and reproductive health practices and guidelines worldwide.
Jennifer AngerUSA
Laura RossUSA
Laura is a queer-identified Pelvic Health Physical Therapist and AASECT Certified Sexuality Counselor and owner of Groove Pelvic Health & Wellness in Chicago. Her special interests are gender affirming care, queer health, pelvic pain, sexual health, cisgender men’s health and the intersection of pelvic health and athletic performance. Laura earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Northwestern University and the Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certificate (PRPC) through the Herman and Wallace Institute. She has additional training in PT for concerns specific to trans and gender expansive folks including gender affirming surgeries. Laura is a member of the APTA, WPATH, GLMA, ISSWSH, ISSM and AASECT. She is a frequent conference speaker and lecturer on topics ranging from gender affirming care, sexual health, inclusive care and Pelvic PT treatment of common urologic and sexual health conditions across the gender spectrum.
Kat NasseriUSA
Mang ChenUSA
Mang Chen, M.D. is a genitourinary reconstructive surgeon. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, San Diego and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, where he was awarded the Behan Prize in Surgery, and remained in Pittsburgh for his general surgery and urology training. He subsequently
completed a fellowship in reconstructive urology and returned to Pittsburgh as an Assistant Professor. After 3 years, he moved to California to perform genitourinary surgeries, including phalloplasty (performed with microsurgeons), metoidioplasty, glansplasty, monsplasty, scrotoplasty, urethroplasty, fistula repair, insertion of testicular and penile implants, penis/scrotal/perineal reconstruction and related procedures.
Through July 2025, he has completed over 6200 genitourinary surgeries including 628 phalloplasties, 162 metoidioplasties, 614 penile implant surgeries, 1076 testicular implant surgeries, 744 scrotoplasties, 288 glansplasties/glans revisions, 815 urethral surgeries (not counting the urethroplasties performed at time of phalloplasty/metoidioplasty), and various other reconstructive procedures.
Dr. Chen is a reviewer and author of journal articles, reviews, and book chapters in reconstructive urology and plastic surgery. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Urology and a member and officer of reconstructive surgical associations and societies. He is regularly invited to lecture at conferences and universities. In addition, surgeons from the United States and abroad visit to observe the techniques used to optimize
surgical outcomes in transmasculine genitourinary surgeries.
Solo practice genitourinary reconstructive surgeon
G.U. Recon Clinic
