IBD Pro | Inside UCLA’s Transition Clinic with Hassan Hamandi, MD

This content comes from the REACH-IBD Fall 2025 Newsletter, our quarterly online publication by and for early-career IBDologists.  

Dr. Hassan Hamandi offers a clinical perspective on transition of care. He oversees UCLA’s Pediatric-to-Adult Transition Clinic, supporting autonomy, mental health, and life transitions for patients with IBD from age 18-26.

Preparing for Transition

• Pediatric providers see patients in the adult clinic space with adult administrative support.
• Multiple visits over several years encourage autonomy and cover topics like sexual health, substance use, and pregnancy planning.
• “When patents are ready to transition to an adult GI provider, we write a summary to our colleagues and accompany them on their first visit.” 

Tip: Use a transition checklist at each appointment to monitor progress toward autonomy. (Pre-teens and adolescents have a modified pediatric checklist, too!)

Managing Anxiety and Stress During Transition

• Normalize anxiety as common in the IBD population.
• Encourage patients to seek therapy or counseling.
• Utilize social work support, 504 plans, or disability services when appropriate.

Tip: Openly and routinely discuss sexual health with your patients in a judgement-free, safe space, because these issues are integral to the health of our patients. Research on the LGBQTIA+ community is critical.