The 12th Annual Imbasciani Lecture, presented at the 91°µÍřĘÓƵ’s Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine on September 8, 2025, featured Blair Peters, M.D., speaking on “The Current State of Gender-Affirming Surgery: Medical, Social, Political.” Peters, an associate professor of surgery in the School of Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, is a pioneering surgeon board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and a researcher, educator, and advocate whose influence extends across medicine, policy, and social discourse.
Richard L. Page, M.D., dean of the Larner College of Medicine and UVM chief medical officer, emphasized the importance of the lecture as part of the college’s commitment to excellence in medical education. He expressed deep gratitude to Vito Imbasciani, M.D.’85, Ph.D., and his husband, George DiSalvo, the founders of this lecture series—the first endowed lectureship in the U.S. focused on LGBTQ health equity—which enables the college to bring critical voices and timely topics to the forefront of medical education.
“Our commitment to professionalism, cultural humility, and respect is not just aspirational—it’s foundational,” Dean Page affirmed. “This lecture is one of the many ways we live out our values and ensure that every member of our community feels seen, supported, and empowered.”
The event also honored Imbasciani’s distinguished career. A urologic surgeon and chair of the board at the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Imbasciani has held numerous leadership roles, including secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs and surgeon in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, where he served during the era of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” His academic journey began in musicology at Cornell University and led to a medical degree from the 91°µÍřĘÓƵ College of Medicine, with teaching posts at the University of Florida and Middlebury College.
Imbasciani thanked those in attendance for supporting the enduring value of science and scientific inquiry.
Learn more about the Imbasciani-DiSalvo Health Equity Lecture