Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

This proposed research will examine a topic that requires more attention and an in-depth evaluation. The research I am conducting aims to examine and analyze the existing knowledge and attitudes of health sciences students towards LGBTQ+ healthcare and specified health topics, including HIV/STD prevention/testing resources, sexual health education, medical considerations when transitioning, and more. This research will uncover the level of education and current attitudes that are present among health sciences students across Ontario; many of whom end up working in a variety of different healthcare settings (e.g., medicine, dentistry, therapy, etc.), with numerous patients of differing backgrounds and needs. I plan to conduct a qualitative, interview-based study that evaluates health sciences students in Ontario, Canada. There are approximately eight health sciences programs across Ontario, from which 25 participants/students will be selected for one-on-one Zoom interviews that will include a variety of questions pertaining to LGBTQ+ individuals, their healthcare needs, and other social and medical-related topics. This study will help to identify any gaps in health sciences programs curricula, resulting in the identification of the potential need to introduce new program requirements. These may include changes to the existing curricula or the addition of new courses, workshops, speakers, etc. The evaluation of these students and their perspectives will help to shape the next generation of healthcare providers. Improving and standardizing LGBTQ+ health education will aid in the early development of well-rounded healthcare providers and will positively impact healthcare by promoting safety and comfortability, encouraging LGBTQ+ individuals to access healthcare.