Dr. Marci Bowers, a trailblazing gynecologist and surgeon, is renowned for her expertise in gender-affirming surgeries and clitoral restoration. Born on January 18, 1958, she is 67 years old in 2025. Her net worth is estimated at $5 million, primarily from her surgical practice, with an annual salary estimated between $99,113 and $127,951. Married to Ann Bowers, their unique bond has evolved into a sister-like relationship, with no recent dating records. This article explores her career, personal life, and contributions, offering fresh insights into her impact on transgender healthcare.
Early Life and Education: Shaping a Medical Pioneer
Born in Oak Park, Illinois, Marci Bowers grew up as Mark Bowers in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, with three siblings. Her early years were marked by a sense of gender incongruence, which she began addressing at 19 by moving to San Diego to explore her transition. Financial constraints delayed her surgery, and she briefly joined the Unification Church, later describing it as a “cult.” Returning to Wisconsin, she excelled at the University of Minnesota Medical School, serving as class and student body president, graduating in 1986. Her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Washington laid the foundation for her career.
“My journey was not just about becoming a woman but about embracing my truth to help others find theirs.” – Dr. Marci Bowers
Career Milestones: Innovating Gender-Affirming Surgery
Dr. Bowers began her career as an obstetrician-gynecologist in Seattle, delivering over 2,000 babies at The Polyclinic and Swedish Medical Center. In 2003, she apprenticed under Dr. Stanley Biber in Trinidad, Colorado, the “Sex Change Capital.” After Biber’s retirement, she took over, performing over 2,250 male-to-female (MTF) vaginoplasties and 3,900 gender-affirming surgeries by 2025. In 2010, she relocated to Burlingame, California, operating at Mills-Peninsula Medical Center and San Mateo Surgery Center.
Bowers is the first transgender woman to perform gender-affirming surgeries, revolutionizing techniques for better functionality and aesthetics. Her practice generates significant revenue, with estimates suggesting $1.6 million annually for hospitals during her Trinidad tenure. She has also trained surgeons globally, establishing programs at Sheba Hospital (Israel, 2014), Mt. Sinai (New York, 2016), and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (2020). As WPATH President-elect, she shapes global transgender healthcare standards.
“Her surgical precision and empathy make her a beacon for transgender patients.” – A colleague at Mt. Sinai
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in 2025
Marci Bowers’ net worth is estimated at $5 million in 2025, driven by her surgical practice and media appearances. Her salary ranges from $99,113 to $127,951 annually, with higher earnings for roles like Practice Manager at her clinic, averaging $147,400. Each gender-affirming surgery costs approximately $17,500, contributing to her wealth. Unlike many surgeons, she offers pro bono clitoral restoration surgeries for female genital mutilation (FGM) survivors, reflecting her commitment to social good over profit.
Personal Life: Married Life and Unique Bonds
Marci Bowers has been married to Ann Bowers since 1987, with their relationship evolving post-transition in 1998. They share three children and describe their bond as a “sisterhood,” rooted in mutual support. No public records indicate dating outside this relationship, highlighting their enduring partnership. Living in Burlingame, California, they maintain a close family unit, balancing professional and personal commitments.
“Ann and I are best friends, raising our kids together in a way that defies convention.” – Dr. Marci Bowers
Clitoral Restoration and Global Impact
Beyond gender-affirming care, Dr. Bowers is a global leader in functional clitoral restoration for FGM survivors. Trained under Pierre Foldès from 2007 to 2009, she has performed over 500 such surgeries, often free of charge. Her missions to Burkina Faso (2014) and Kenya (2017, 2019) with Clitoraid have trained local surgeons, addressing a critical need in regions affected by FGM. This work underscores her dedication to restoring dignity and functionality.
Media Presence and Public Advocacy
Dr. Bowers has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, I Am Jazz, and CBS Sunday Morning, raising awareness about transgender issues. Her role in the 2006-2007 series Sex Change Hospital showcased her practice, while her 2021 60 Minutes interview addressed controversies in pediatric gender care. She critiques the rush to perform surgeries on young patients, emphasizing long-term outcomes like sexual function and reproductive rights.
Challenges and Controversies
In Trinidad, Dr. Bowers faced opposition, with local pastors citing a 1972 Johns Hopkins study to challenge gender-affirming care’s efficacy. She debunked their claims, noting the study’s positive outcomes were misrepresented. In 2021, she expressed concerns about puberty blockers in young patients, highlighting risks to sexual function and intimacy, a stance that sparked debate but underscored her commitment to ethical care.
Biography Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marci Lee Bowers |
| Birth Date | January 18, 1958 |
| Age (2025) | 67 years old |
| Birthplace | Oak Park, Illinois, USA |
| Education | University of Minnesota Medical School (1986) |
| Residency | Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington |
| Career Start | Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Seattle (1980s) |
| Specialization | Gender-Affirming Surgery, Clitoral Restoration |
| Notable Mentorship | Dr. Stanley Biber (2003), Pierre Foldès (2007-2009) |
| Surgeries Performed | Over 2,250 MTF Vaginoplasties, 3,900 Total Gender-Affirming Surgeries |
| Current Practice | Burlingame, California (Since 2010) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $5 Million |
| Salary Range | $99,113–$127,951 annually |
| Marital Status | Married to Ann Bowers (since 1987) |
| Children | Three |
| Key Media Appearances | Oprah, I Am Jazz, Sex Change Hospital, 60 Minutes |
| Leadership Roles | WPATH President-elect, Trevor Project Board Member |
| Awards | Community Health Award, Callen Lorde Health Center; Best Doctor (2002-2004) |
| Global Impact | Clitoral restoration missions in Burkina Faso and Kenya |
Unique Insights: A Surgeon’s Legacy
Dr. Bowers’ work extends beyond the operating room. Her advocacy for transgender rights and FGM survivors positions her as a humanitarian leader. Unlike many surgeons, she prioritizes patient education, ensuring informed decisions. Her 2025 initiatives include expanding surgical training programs and advocating for insurance coverage for gender-affirming care, addressing affordability barriers. Her personal transition informs her empathy, making her a trusted figure for patients worldwide.
Conclusion: A Trailblazer’s Enduring Impact
Marci Bowers, at 67, continues to redefine gender-affirming surgery and clitoral restoration. Her net worth of $5 million and salary reflect her success, but her true legacy lies in her compassionate care and advocacy. Married to Ann Bowers, her personal life mirrors her professional ethos of resilience and authenticity. Follow her work on Twitter and learn more at Wikipedia or her official site.
