Identity-related experiences of Asian American trainees in gynecologic oncology

Jhalak Dholakia; Yeon Woo Lee; Karen H Lu; Warner K Huh; S Diane Yamada; Katherine C Fuh; Amanika S Kumar; Margaret I Liang; Navya Nair; Kenneth H Kim

doi:10.1016/j.gore.2022.101097

Identity-related experiences of Asian American trainees in gynecologic oncology

Gynecol Oncol Rep. 2022 Nov 6:44:101097. doi: 10.1016/j.gore.2022.101097. eCollection 2022 Dec.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.
² Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States.
³ Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.
⁴ Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
⁵ Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.
⁶ Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
⁷ Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, West Hollywood, CA, United States.
⁸ Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA, United States.

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.