Andrew (Drew) Cronyn, MD, FAAP, (he/him/his) has over 20 years experience as a board-certified pediatrician. And he loves, loves, loves being a pediatrician. He will never forget the words of the chairman of pediatrics at his residency program: “We are here to help people maximize the potential we are all born with.”

Drew decided he wanted to be a physician in part because an early childhood neuromuscular illness led to years of hospital beds and surgeries. He felt that many of his doctors spoke over and around him, and it guided him to a practice philosophy of including his patients, no matter how young, in their own care. It also inspired a lifelong interest in rare or complex chronic conditions. He also loves providing medical care for young patients who see the world differently, including those on the autism spectrum or with mental illnesses or who have learning disabilities. Dr. Drew’s other passion for his entire career has been working with LGBTQ+ youth and LGBTQ+ parents. He loves expanding preventive primary care to include advocating for racial and economic justice.

Six years ago, Drew saw a need in Tucson, AZ, for a pediatrician who would provide general and specialized affirming care for transgender, gender-creative, nonbinary, and gender-questioning youth. He and his team built a medical home for over 250 children and teens that provided a comfortable space for youth and their families to get evidence-based, empathetic answers about gender identity and guidance to resources. He loves exploring the pathway for whatever the “right” medical transition is for a given youth and their family. Drew loves being part of the journey as youth become more comfortable with who they are and who they will become. He prescribes puberty blockers, hormones, and related therapies with an informed consent/assent model for those who desire a medical transition. He has also provided extensive community education about respectful care of transgender and gender-questioning youth.

Whether a patient is affirming their gender identity, struggling with a physical illness, or just dealing with everyday medical concerns, Dr. Drew promises he will remember that patients are not their diagnoses; we are people who have full, multilayered lives outside of medical offices.