ERIC Number: ED669692
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 256
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-4604-0913-6
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Examining the Experiences of LGBTQ DPT Students: A Critical Ethnography
Catherine Turner
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of LGBTQ Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students at a large public university in the south-western United States, as it relates to the culture and climate of the program and campus. The LGBTQ community faces its own unique health disparities. Research in medicine suggests improving the diversity of the healthcare profession is a vital component in improving access to care, and this requires the creation of inclusive and supportive educational environments for LGBTQ identifying healthcare students. However, minimal research exists examining the experiences of LGBTQ physical therapy students. The study used a critical ethnographic approach using one-on-one interviews with participants. The theoretical framework was centered on Critical Race Theory and Queer Crit, with influences from the heteronormative perspective. The use of one-on-one interviews allowed for the voice of each participant to be heard by including their experiential knowledge on the topic of this study. Study findings revealed five major themes: (a) navigating the heteronormative clinic and campus, (b) experiences of microaggressions and discrimination, (c) barriers to being out, (d) the role of religion, and (e) mechanisms of support for LGBTQ DPT students. The majority of participants reported a supportive environment on campus, but reported on the challenge of navigating heteronormative assumptions in clinical settings. Individuals with multiple intersecting identities reported more frequent incidences of microaggressions and discrimination related to race, ethnicity, body size, language use, and presumed foreignness. Findings support the need for continued use of intersectional research methodologies in order to support LGBTQ DPT students reach and navigate professional practice. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: LGBTQ People, Minority Group Students, Doctoral Students, Physical Therapy, Allied Health Occupations Education, College Environment, Coping, Microaggressions, Social Bias, Barriers, Religion, Student Needs, Social Support Groups, Work Environment
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A