Is it really grounded in evidence? Well, maybe a bit. But thoroughly? Definitely not.
Dr. Gordon Guyatt, who coined the term “evidence-based medicine” back in 1991, recently discussed his views on gender during a podcast. On August 14, he signed a letter that stated it was harsh to prevent clinicians from expressing their gender.
“You’ve signed a statement claiming that gender-affirming care is ‘medically necessary,'” said co-host Mia Hughes, a researcher.
“That’s absurd,” Guyatt interrupted. “We never made that assertion… I would never use the phrase ‘medically necessary.’ You saying it is completely wrong.”
“Please check if I ever said ‘medically necessary,'” Guyatt challenged. “If you find it, then I suggest you jump off a bridge.”
RIP?
This exchange is one of the most captivating moments in the discourse around transgender issues.
It might be subtle, but the individual being interviewed is regarded as the “father” of modern evidence-based medicine, and he recently faced criticism from a trans activist for some truly awkward behavior… https://t.co/f5sp7l86tf
– Aithanhaim MD (@eithanhaim) September 8, 2025
The final part of the statement that Guyatt signed will be released later, as he indicated that they contributed personally to Egale Canada’s legal initiatives. These efforts focus on ensuring that medically necessary care is not denied to young individuals facing gender diversity.
“I must say, that part isn’t my paragraph, and I didn’t read it closely,” Guyatt admitted.
“So, did you sign something you didn’t read carefully?” co-host and psychotherapist Stella O’Malley asked.
“Well, it seems… I was focused on a different part,” Guyatt explained.
“But did you sign the statement despite it contradicting your own views?” O’Malley pressed.
“I have to say, it’s inappropriate to choose it. I really should have read the last line… that wasn’t where my attention was,” Guyatt responded.
“I can be foolish sometimes,” he added, before asking the host, “Can we focus on the overall message I’m trying to convey?”
However, Guyatt’s “overall message” seemed rather muddled. He and his team scrutinized so-called “gender-positive therapies” in 2025, touching on hormone treatments and surgeries.
Is this really the father of “evidence-based medicine”? Good grief. https://t.co/0fje9cd1td
– Ritapanahi (@Ritapanahi) September 8, 2025
The findings were, to be blunt, quite notable.
One study indicated: “There remains significant uncertainty regarding the effects of adolescent blockers on individuals experiencing gender dysphoria.”
Another pointed out that “there is considerable uncertainty about the effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy, and we cannot dismiss potential benefits or harms.”
The evidence stemming from case studies indicated a wide range, with outcomes related to gender discomfort reported as “from high to very low,” according to Guyatt’s team. They noted concerning consequences like death, necrosis, and severe scarring.
Sparking backlash, Guyatt and his team were thoroughly criticized by gender activists for not fully endorsing certain medical interventions, which led to the earlier statement.
“Members and allies of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community expressed concerns over recent systematic reviews concerning gender-affirming care,” the statement began.
Guyatt will likely be remembered for the controversy rather than any significant contributions to science.
