Billie Swiggard

I’m a proud, out, 71-year-old trans woman with an MD degree from Cornell and a PhD in Immunology from Rockefeller University. My Internal Medicine residency and Infectious Disease fellowship were at Penn, where I did molecular HIV research for several years. Before returning home to Philly in July 2021, I was a full time Infectious Disease specialist in Western MA at MGH-affiliated Cooley Dickinson Hospital and the Ryan White funded FQHC Holyoke Health Center. I do not exaggerate when I say that I have recaptured the joy of medicine here at Mazzoni Center. My clinical practice focuses on gender affirming care, HIV, PrEP, infectious diseases (including STI’s) and general internal medicine. I love to teach. PERSONAL: Though I knew I was trans in early childhood, I came out and began my gender transition just 4 years ago at age 67. I’m bisexual. I’m deeply moved by art, music, history, theater and film. I’m inspired by nature, FUN FACT: Prior to my medical career, I (then Mr. William Swiggard) performed in several musicals on and off-Broadway, and in numerous national theater tours.