Bolderston, Amanda

My professional background is in the medical radiation sciences, particularly in radiation therapy. I have worked most recently as an educator and researcher in Ontario, BC and Alberta. For the last few years I have been teaching undergraduate students at the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. My professional research interests have always been patient experience and professional identity. They coalesced when I carried out my dissertation research at UBC with the project “An autoethnographic lens on the identity work of lesbian and gay radiation therapists in practice”. My focus was on sexual orientation disclosure and how this might affect relationships with patients and colleagues. Like many in my cohort, this was a deeply personal and satisfying piece of work. The experience of diving into the world of sexual and gender minority (SGM) patients and staff led to a CIHR grant and the co-founding of a website for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and two spirit plus people affected by cancer as well a passionate sideline in providing education about SGM healthcare. I am the Editor in Chief of the medical radiation sciences professional journal (the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences and publish regularly on issues related to SGM health and other topics. I’m married to a fellow queer academic and have two almost-adult boys who enrich my life in exciting and unexpected ways!