Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Publication Date
12-1-2022
Journal
Gynecologic Oncology Reports
DOI
10.1016/j.gore.2022.101097
PMID
36388752
PMCID
PMC9664478
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
11-6-2022
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Abstract
Background: Anti-Asian violence increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Asian American/Pacific Islanders (AAPI) represent a diverse population experiencing a long history of stereotyping and exclusionism; however, this group is often left out of diversity/inclusion conversations. In academic medicine, AAPI are under-represented in leadership. We characterized the personal/professional experiences of AAPI gynecologic oncology trainees and assessed the impact of a virtual panel discussion with leaders in the field.
Methods: An anonymous survey was disseminated online to trainees in/interested in gynecologic oncology fellowship who identified as AAPI, using modified snowball sampling. A virtual session with AAPI leaders in gynecologic oncology discussed themes emerging from survey responses. Session attendees completed an anonymous follow-up survey. Results were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively.
Results: 44/59 (75%) respondents participated in the pre-survey; 23 (39%) participated in the virtual session. All session participants (23/23, 100%) completed the post-session survey. Participants reported increased identity-related thoughts with the COVID-19 pandemic (88% during, 61% prior). Sixty-eight percent reported that identity-related thoughts/awareness changed during the pandemic. Presence of AAPI colleagues was associated with higher perceived identity-related support from their department. Of those without AAPI coworkers, none (0%) felt 'moderately' or 'extremely well supported.' Qualitative analysis demonstrated that the panel discussion created a sense of community and encouragement, combating previously reported isolation and self-consciousness. Participants reported more connection with their heritage and identified more personal/professional topics that might be related to their cultural backgrounds.
Discussion: This intervention demonstrates the opportunity to provide a supportive network for mentorship and professional development in a culturally inclusive way.
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Dholakia, Jhalak; Lee, Yeon Woo; Lu, Karen H; et al., "Identity-Related Experiences of Asian American Trainees in Gynecologic Oncology" (2022). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 4568.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthgsbs_docs/4568
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