Vanderbilt Students Co-Host Nation-Wide MD/DO-PhD LGBTQIA+ Trainee Discussion Session
by Camille Wang (G2)
In collaboration with the American Physician Scientist Association (APSA) and the Medical School Pride Alliance (MSPA), Kelsey McNew (G4), Camille Wang (G2), and Mollie Marr (OHSU M3) co-hosted the first trainee discussion session for LGBTQIA+ MD/DO-PhD students on Thursday, March 25, 2021.
The event aimed to create cross-institutional connections and generate anonymous recommendations on how to improve the training environment for LGBTQIA+ students. The event was attended by MD-PhD and DO-PhD students from multiple institutions across the country. Following a brief introduction, students split into two breakout rooms (one for students in their medical phase of training, and another for those in their graduate phase of training), where they discussed topics such as their personal experiences as an LGBTQ+ trainee in their program and suggested events that could be helpful for students moving forward. Overall, the event helped facilitate connections and conversations in a time when virtual meetings have become a norm. The event coordinators hope that this will only be the first of many conversations in the future.