A qualitative study of LGBTQIA+ genetic counselors' experiences while applying to graduate school.

LGBTQIA+ admissions diversity education genetic counseling sexual and gender minorities

Journal

Journal of genetic counseling
ISSN: 1573-3599
Titre abrégé: J Genet Couns
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 9206865

Informations de publication

Date de publication:
Dec 2023
Historique:
revised: 07 07 2023
received: 03 10 2022
accepted: 21 07 2023
pubmed: 14 8 2023
medline: 14 8 2023
entrez: 13 8 2023
Statut: ppublish

Résumé

Research has shown that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQIA+) healthcare students experience discrimination during admissions and training. While several studies have examined the experiences of racial and ethnic minorities within the genetic counseling field, the admissions experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals have not been explored. Through semi-structured interviews, this qualitative study investigated the experiences of ten LGBTQIA+ genetic counselors and genetic counseling students during graduate school admissions. Interview questions focused on participants' perceptions of the genetic counseling field prior to applying, important factors in choosing and ranking programs, decisions surrounding disclosure of LGBTQIA+ identities, interview experiences related to their identities, and the impacts, if any, of their identities on their overall admissions journey. Transcripts were coded and analyzed utilizing a constructivist grounded theory approach, resulting in the emergence of themes regarding factors that influenced participants' decisions to disclose their identity and how their LGBTQIA+ identity factored into their selection of a training program. This study adds new perspectives to the conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion within the genetic counseling field. Further, it provides genetic counselors and genetic counseling programs insight into inclusive admissions processes and suggests ways to improve inclusivity in graduate admissions.

Identifiants

pubmed: 37574455
doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1760
doi:

Types de publication

Journal Article

Langues

eng

Sous-ensembles de citation

IM

Pagination

1200-1212

Subventions

Organisme : Brandeis University Genetic Counseling Program
Organisme : Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Brandeis University
ID : Master's Research Award

Informations de copyright

© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Genetic Counseling published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of National Society of Genetic Counselors.

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Auteurs

Lauren O'Sullivan (L)

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA.

Kimberly Zayhowski (K)

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Department of Graduate Medical Sciences, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Eileen Hoffman (E)

Division of Genetics, UMass Memorial Health, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.

Nikkola Carmichael (N)

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA.
Department of Graduate Medical Sciences, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Classifications MeSH