BIPOC students' paths to genetic counseling: Results from a longitudinal qualitative study.

Despite diversity initiatives, the genetic counseling profession continues to exhibit limited racial and ethnic diversity, with relatively stagnant representation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals. Prior research has found that BIPOC high school and college students are l...

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Publicado en:Journal of Genetic Counseling Vol. 34; no. 1; pp. 1 - 13
Autores principales: Carmichael, Nikkola, Zayhowski, Kimberly, Diaz, Joselyn Saenz
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Wiley-Blackwell Feb2025
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Feb2025
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      pub: Wiley-Blackwell
      place: Malden, Massachusetts
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        atl: BIPOC students' paths to genetic counseling: Results from a longitudinal qualitative study.
      aug:
        au:
          Carmichael, Nikkola
          Zayhowski, Kimberly
          Diaz, Joselyn Saenz
        affil: Department of Medical Sciences & Education, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Massachusetts,, USA
      sug:
        subj:
          Genetic Counseling
          Students, Medical Psychosocial Factors
          People of Color Psychosocial Factors
          Student Attitudes Evaluation
          Cultural Diversity
          Human
          Female
          Male
          Young Adult
          Prospective Studies
          Qualitative Studies
          Grounded Theory
          Semi-Structured Interview
          Thematic Analysis
          Family Attitudes
          Decision Making
          School Admissions
          Family Support
          Limited English Proficiency
          Costs and Cost Analysis
          Genetic Counselors
          Data Analysis Software
          Female
          Male
      ab: Despite diversity initiatives, the genetic counseling profession continues to exhibit limited racial and ethnic diversity, with relatively stagnant representation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals. Prior research has found that BIPOC high school and college students are less likely to be aware of genetic counseling and learn about it later than their white peers. Financial barriers and familial discouragement based on a preference for medical school may disproportionately impact BIPOC applicants. Here, we report the first set of results from a longitudinal constructivist grounded theory study exploring the training experiences of BIPOC genetic counseling students. Through reflexive thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews conducted with 26 first‐year BIPOC genetic counseling students, we identified five themes pertaining to participants' paths to enrolling in a genetic counseling program: (1) Deciding to pursue genetic counseling, (2) Family's reaction to genetic counseling, (3) Deciding where to submit applications, (4) Barriers during admissions, and (5) Ranking programs. Participants discovered genetic counseling later in their academic journey, often necessitating gap years to complete admissions requirements. Limited guidance from advisors was commonly cited as a barrier by first‐generation college students. Family support seems to be a key factor in participants' successful pursuit of genetic counseling, but participants described challenges explaining the career, particularly to parents who did not speak English. In addition, some participants encountered resistance about changing prior plans to go to medical school. Finally, while participants prioritized cost and location in their initial decision about where to submit applications, their ranking of programs was heavily influenced by experiences during interviews, where they favored conversational interviews and evaluated if they would "fit in" at the program. These findings underscore the need for proactive measures, such as early exposure initiatives, mentorship programs, and resources to facilitate family support, to promote diversity in genetic counseling.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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