Sex change Surgeon relocating to Arizona SCOTTSDALE - One of the nation's 20 doctors specializing in sex change operations plans to open a practice in Arizona next month, a newspaper reported Thursday. Dr. Toby Meltzer, who is now in Portland, Ore., would be the first physician in Arizona to specialize in gender reconstruction surgery, according to the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association. The group is a professional organization devoted to issues involving transsexuals. Local experts and members of the Phoenix area's transsexual community told the East Valley Tribune that Meltzer will be a boon to the state medically, socially and politically. John Thorne, co-chairman of Transgender Harmony, a referral, support and educational group that meets in Tempe, said Meltzer's presence will mark an opening of acceptance for the stigmatized transgender community. "In a political sense this is a plus for the transgender community to have this doctor who does exceptionally good work relocate to Phoenix considering the conservativeness and religiousness of this state," Thorne said. "For the community to accept this kind of surgery is great - it shows an openness and forward-thinking." Dr. William Leighton, president of the Arizona Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and a Scottsdale plastic surgeon, said Meltzer's arrival means more access to the procedure for those who need it. Now, the closest center that offers the surgery is in Denver. Meltzer's office wouldn't comment on his relocation when contacted Thursday by The Associated Press.
		Dec. 12, 2002 © 2002 The Tuson Citizen
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