Menu
Guadalupe Martinez
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Job Title
POI Research Trainee
Academic Rank
Department
Medicine
Authors
Guadalupe Gonzalez Martinez, BS, BA; Nadine Channaoui, MS, CGC; Allison Cirino MS, CGC; Lori Dobson MS, CGC; Elizabeth Feig, MS, CGC; Olivia Maher, MS, CGC; Courtney Studwell, MS, CGC; Sheyenne Walmsley, MS, CGC; Carrie Blout Zawatsky, MS, CGC; Bethany Zettler, MS, CGC; Emma Perez, MGC, CGC
Principal Investigator
Emma Perez
Research Category: Genomics
Tags
There is a lack of racial and ethnic diversity within the genetic counseling (GC) profession. An annual GC Career Day (CD) event at BWH was developed to engage with prospective genetic counselors representing historically excluded and underrepresented groups. This free virtual event included 1.5 hours of pre-recorded content, 2.5 hours of live content, and optional breakout-sessions divided into self-selected themes that allowed attendees to network with different groups, including individuals who identified as racial and/or ethnic minorities. The 2022 CD had 161 registrants and <100 attendees. Attendees were sent a survey link during the live session. Of the 52 attendees who completed the first survey, 15 completed a follow-up survey. These surveys asked about demographics, feedback, and motivations/barriers to applying to GC school.
The distribution of survey respondents by race and ethnicity was more diverse(33% POC) than what is currently reflected in the GC profession(11% POC). All attendees who completed the follow-up survey reported they were more interested in the profession after attending the CD. Our findings demonstrate how virtual events may enhance diversity and accessibility for the field. In the future we will consider broadening advertising to include more diverse groups.
Genetic counselors (GCs) are healthcare professionals who often work with patients, families, communities, and other clinical providers to facilitate access to genetic testing and empower individuals to understand how genetic information could impact their lives or the lives of their patients. Genetic counselors at Brigham and Women’s Hospital developed an annual BWH GC Career Day to help prospective GCs learn more about the profession, which is made up of primarily white GCs.
The 2022 GC CD was held virtually at no cost and included, with 1.5 hours of pre-recorded content that provided an overview of the profession and 2.5 hours of live content featuring eight different genetic counselors. Attendees were sent surveys that asked questions about demographics, feedback, and motivations/barriers to applying to GC school.
The distribution of attendees and survey respondents by race and ethnicity was more diverse(33% POC) than what is currently reflected in the GC profession(11% POC). All attendees who completed the follow-up survey were more interested in the profession after GC CD. Our findings demonstrate how virtual events may enhance diversity and accessibility for the field. In the future we will consider broadening our advertising to include more diverse groups.
