John L. Whitehead

John L. Whitehead, DO, is a general surgeon who works there as a gender surgery specialist, performing transmasculine and transfeminine procedures. He is board-certified in general surgery. His training includes a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, a five-year general surgery residency at that college, and a critical care fellowship at Northwestern University. He holds board certification in both surgery and critical care, is a fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and is an active member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. He trained under pioneers and experts in transgender surgery. For many years he worked as a trauma surgeon at Cook County Hospital while also practicing general surgery. His transfeminine experience is extensive and includes vaginoplasty, which he performs as a single-stage operation with follicle-scraping during the same surgery. He is also trained in hysterectomy, oophorectomy and vaginectomy. He designs each patient's operation individually, aiming for results that look natural for that patient, and he aims to help patients understand their procedures, with close attention to detail and comfort.