ABSTRACT
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, non-binary, two-spirit, and other (LGBTQ+) students are a diverse group with unique and frequently overlooked needs in medical training. The present study was designed to understand the concerns of LGBTQ+ applicants to medical school and examine the effectiveness of a webinar in alleviating concerns. Sixty participants joined webinars discussing the medical school application process with particular attention to concerns pertinent to the LGBTQ+ population. Pre and post surveys were administered to examine webinar effectiveness and participant concerns. Results were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Pre-medical students reported that the webinar format was helpful for their application process. Specifically, pre- and post-test analyses revealed that the webinar increased both students’ preparedness as well as their confidence in disclosing their LGBTQ+ identity or being “out” when applying to medical school. Student-led, online webinars increase LGBTQ+ students’ confidence and help address SGM students’ concerns about applying to medical school.
Disclosure statement
Mollie Marr is supported by the National Institute of Mental Health under award number F30 MH118762. All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.
Supplementary material
Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2022.2160942