TSGC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee
The Texas Society of Genetic Counselors (TSGC) established its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force in June 2020 to promote greater diversity within the genetic counseling community in Texas. In 2021, the Task Force became an official committee of TSGC.
Genetic counseling is a profession rooted in diversity, education, and patient empowerment. However, despite these values, the field remains underrepresented: only 2% of genetic counselors identify as Black or African American, and just 7% identify as Underrepresented Minorities in Medicine (URMs). URMs include individuals who identify as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino/a/x, and American Indian or Alaska Native.
As part of its DEI initiatives, TSGC offers application fee reimbursements for URM applicants to Texas-based genetic counseling programs. Additionally, URM students who are accepted into these programs may qualify for an educational stipend.
TSGC is committed to fostering diversity in all its forms and views it as essential to the future of genetics. The organization looks forward to expanding its DEI efforts to support other underrepresented groups in the profession.
Mentorship Program
The TSGC mentorship program is available to prospective students (mentees) who identify as an underrepresented minority. Eligible students should either plan to apply to a Texas GC program or be a prospective student from Texas. Applicants must be applying in an upcoming application cycle.
The mentorship program for the application cycle will run from September through May. Mentorship will be a ~9 month commitment (from beginning of the application cycle through Match Day). One-on-one meetings are required once a month with flexibility for additional meetings as needed.
*You do not have to identify as an underrepresented minority to be a mentor.
Program Overview - A TSGC Genetic Counselor will be paired with a prospective GC student as a mentee.
The role of the mentor will be to serve as a point of contact and support for prospective students as they prepare to apply to genetic counseling programs as well as provide resources as needed (events, GCA employment, educational opportunities, etc).
Mentors will provide supportive and constructive advice for mentees pertaining to graduate school applications, interviewing, reviewing and editing personal statements, CVs, essays, and professional development.
Mentors and mentees will meet at least once a month, but more/less frequent check-ins are encouraged if needed or desired by either the mentor or mentee.
Educational Stipend Opportunity from the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors (TSGC)
The Texas Society of Genetic Counselors (TSGC) is offering an Educational Stipend to support eligible students who identify as underrepresented in medicine, demonstrate financial need, and show academic merit. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in an ACGC-accredited genetic counseling program in Texas for the upcoming academic year. The stipend provides $500 in the fall and $500 in the spring, which may be used toward tuition, fees, and other educational expenses such as books, supplies, and equipment required for coursework.
Application Period: Opens mid-July and closes mid-August.
Application Fee Reimbursement Program from the Texas Society of Genetic Counselors (TSGC)
The Texas Society of Genetic Counselors (TSGC) offers an Application Fee Reimbursement Program to support individuals applying to genetic counseling programs in Texas. This resource is intended for applicants who identify as underrepresented minorities in medicine. Eligible applicants are encouraged to complete a brief survey and retain their payment receipts after submitting applications to Texas-based genetic counseling programs.
Application Window: Opens mid-December and closes mid-January
Disbursement Timeline: Late January to early February
Distribution: Reimbursements are provided on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.
While we understand that reimbursement requests may be submitted at different times, we strongly encourage applicants to submit only once.
If you would like to financially support any of TSGC’s DEI efforts, you can make a tax-deductible donation today! Click “DONATE” on the menu bar and select “Support DEI Efforts.” All funds will be usually solely for DEI programs and initiatives.
Please email tsgcdei@gmail.com with any questions or if you would like to be more involved.
Follow TSGC on social media for updates:
https://www.facebook.com/TexasGCs
https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-society-of-genetic-counselors