We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Jerrica Kirkley. Check out our conversation below.
Jerrica, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I recently joined the Denver Women’s Hockey League. They are a great non-profit with a really supportive community. I had never played hockey before but was getting into the Professional Women’s Hockey League this past year and wanted to try something new – it has been a lot of fun!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a family physician and long time provider of care to the transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming (collectively, TGNC) community. While deeply stigmatized and gate-kept for a long time, gender-affirming care is truly lifesaving and life-giving and it is incredible to be a part of that journey with folks – it has been really special to find this passion within medicine especially as a member of the trans community myself.
Six years ago, I started a company called Plume Health with my best friend from medical school, Dr. Matthew Wetschler. As a telehealth company, we started Plume to increase access to high quality care for the TGNC community, after seeing first hand as a physician and a patient, how hard it was for many trans folks to seek care without fear of discrimination or find competent providers. Over the last 6 years, we have cared for over 40,000 TGNC people. We offer both medical and community support to adults in 48 states. Patients can pay a flat monthly fee or use their insurance to pay for Plume. We also have a partnership with Point of Pride, to provide funding for individuals with less resources on a needs basis.
We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors and so many groundbreaking queer, TGNC and allied individuals through the years who have paved the way for us to be able to do this work. As a telehealth company distributed across the country, we have been able to build a company that reflects the community we serve, with the majority of the company TGNC-identified. One of our strongest beliefs is that care informed by your patients will always be better and unfortunately our care systems have largely been informed by very few types of people through the years. We have both clinical services such as hormone therapy and depression and anxiety treatment, as well as community and wellness services which include an interactive chat hub with other patients and staff, virtual peer support groups, educational webinars with organizations who support the TGNC community, and discount offers to affirming brands and services.
Our hope is to continue increasing access to care, especially as we navigate unprecedented political times with over a thousand pieces of anti-trans legislation introduced across the country in the last few years and now an administration who continues to put road blocks in front of trans folks who are just trying to live their lives like everybody else. We believe the future of trans healthcare as well as all healthcare is finding ways to work through partnership so we are all stronger together.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
As a young child I was never comfortable seeing other people being treated differently or unfairly because of who they are. Growing up in the conservative south, I saw many examples of this and always wanted to find a way to keep that from happening to people. Going to college was extremely impactful in terms of opening my eyes to so many different people and communities and gaining a deeper understanding of the social injustice happening in my back yard as well as around the world. I was part of the Caldwell Program at NC State University whose motto is to “Think Big”. This one phrase has stuck with me to this day and permeates every moment. Thinking big, as in thinking outside myself, but also keeping an expansive and curious perspective as challenges come my way and always thinking how something could be done differently.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a time shortly before landing on the idea for Plume Health that I was extremely burnt out as a physician. I was practicing in a federally qualified health center which was where I thought I would always end up, providing care in a safety net setting. I deeply valued the connection with my patients and co-workers, but the brokenness of our healthcare system had worn me thin after 8 years of practice. With all the administrative burden, games of politics, and so many barriers to care for my patients, it had left me frustrated and exasperated most days. Providing gender affirming care as a component of my work was always such a shining light and gave me joy and energy. Realizing that I could double down on that part of my work and potentially build a career out of it was liberating and renewed my passion in healthcare.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
We are facing a massive healthcare provider shortage that will only get worse in the coming years and the healthcare industry in this country continues to prioritize and disproportionately incentivize specialized and reactive care, instead of primary and preventive care. So many things contribute to people’s health, but for things to start getting better, this paradigm needs to flip.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
Honestly, I probably am most of the time, haha. As a physician or a person in leadership, one of the most important phrases to learn is, “I don’t know, but let’s see what we can find out.” I think you just get used to being outside of your comfort zone and get better at asking the right questions to reel things back in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://getplume.co/
- Instagram: @plume_clinic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerricakirkley/
