Student Work Position: Genetic Counselor Assistant at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Currently, I work as a genetic counselor assistant (GCA) at The UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. I have been in this position for approximately 2 years, and over this time period, the position has evolved and fostered the development of skills that I will be using in my future career as a genetic counselor.

When I began the position in 2017, it was the first year Children’s Hospital hired GCA’s. In the beginning, we were given tasks such as creating patient lists, scanning documents in to the EMR, mailing letters for the genetic counselors, and submitting authorizations to insurance companies. Over time our responsibilities with the position have grown. Now, our responsibilities include interacting with patients over the phone, taking pedigrees for the genetic counselors, completing test requisitions, disclosing normal test results, and writing patient materials. The growth of the position at Children’s Hospital is an example of the benefits of a genetic counseling assistant position. Over the years our job has evolved based on the needs of the genetic counselors, and we, as GCA’s, have also been able to grow and develop as well.

As a current genetic counseling student I could not imagine a better position throughout graduate school. My schedule has changed constantly over the last two and a half years, and this position has provided me with a great deal of flexibility. It has been reassuring to know that I work in an office that is understanding of my schedule. I am able to work around my class and clinic responsibilities, which has made it feasible to balance work and school. While at work, I am able to practice a variety of skills that I have learned in the classroom as well as in the clinic. It gives me the opportunity to stay immersed in the field and hone skills that I will be utilizing as a genetic counselor in only a few short months.

The team at Children’s Hospital is comprised of many wonderful and supportive members who are committed to fostering the growth and development of the GCAs. I am thankful for my time as a GCA and believe it has helped prepared me for the genetic counseling profession.

Ashley Lahr 

2nd year Genetic Counseling student