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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

How Virtual Events Can Enhance Diversity of Outreach Efforts: BWH Virtual Genetic Counseling Career Day 2022

Scientific Abstract

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.

Lay Abstract

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.

Clinical Implications

Having a more diverse representation in the workforce could lead to better health outcomes and begin to repair some of the damaging effects and harmful legacy resulting from the use of genetics in history to perpetuate racist and exploitative policies.