Positive and negative professionalism experiences of genetic counseling students in the United States and Canada

Abstract

Many aspects of genetic counseling training programs have been examined over the years. However, no study has explored professional or unprofessional behaviors genetic counseling graduate students experience during their training, and how these behaviors influence satisfaction with their training. This exploratory study examined students’ experiences with program leaders, instructors, supervisors, and other trainees. Specific experiences included actions of favoritism, bias, negativity, abuse of power, and examples of positive role modeling. A survey was sent to all members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and program directors in order to reach graduates of Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC)‐accredited programs from 2015–2019 who were eligible to participate. Responses to questions relating to demographics, satisfaction with graduate education, behaviors experienced or seen during graduate school, and reporting of inappropriate behaviors were collected and analyzed. Results demonstrated that 95% of the genetic counseling graduates were highly satisfied with their graduate education and those who experienced inappropriate behaviors during their training were somewhat less satisfied (p = .04). Individuals who felt more prepared by their graduate education were more satisfied with their graduate education (p < .01). Being publicly embarrassed or humiliated, being made to feel like a burden in clinic, or being subjected to negative or offensive behavior based on their personal beliefs or personal characteristics (excluding areas of gender, race/ethnicity, or sexual orientation) were all negatively associated with satisfaction (all p < .04). We conclude that this survey could serve as a “Genetic Counseling Training Experiences Assessment” which could be incorporated into annual evaluations required by the ACGC. Implementation of this assessment would enhance the current evaluations of genetic counseling training programs and provide important information regarding student experiences during their training.

An investigation of preceptors' perceptions of behavioral elements of “professionalism” among genetic counseling students

“…However, only three‐quarters indicated that they would be “very” concerned if a student did not have respect for diversity during their final semester, and 9% indicated they would not be concerned at all. This mimics numbers reported in a recent study, which found that when genetic counselors were asked about behaviors experienced or seen during their genetic counseling graduate program, 11% responded they saw or experienced a racially or ethnically offensive remark or name, and 11% saw or experienced offensive or sexist remarks (Aamodt et al, 2021). Similar experiences were reported by medical students during their training, with up to 27% reporting having experienced or witnessed cultural or religious insensitivity and more than 15% experiencing offensive sexist remarks (Hendelman & Byszewski, 2014), with increased episodes in medical students who are Asian or who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual (Hill et al, 2020).…”

“…However, only three-quarters indicated that they would be "very" concerned if a student did not have respect for diversity during their final semester, and 9% indicated they would not be concerned at all. This mimics numbers reported in a recent study, which found that when genetic counselors were asked about behaviors experienced or seen during their genetic counseling graduate program, 11% responded they saw or experienced a racially or ethnically offensive remark or name, and 11% saw or experienced offensive or sexist remarks (Aamodt et al, 2021).…”

Diversity training experiences and factors associated with implicit racial bias among recent genetic counselor graduates of accredited programs in the United States and Canada

“…Our study revealed a disturbing finding that almost 38% of respondents reported experiencing or witnessing racial insensitivity from genetic counselors or physicians in supervisory roles. A previous report regarding GC graduates from 2015–2019 found that 11.2% were subjected to racially or ethnically offensive remarks (Aamodt et al., 2020). These findings are concerning and require intervention, including additional training and when warranted, disciplinary action for perpetrators.…”