How My Experience as a GCA Has Helped Me in Grad School - Abby Johnson

 

Coming into Pitt’s graduate program, I had worked for 2 years as a genetic counseling assistant (GCA) in a pediatric neurogenetic clinic. And while working as a GCA is absolutely not a requirement for getting into the program (my classmates especially have a very diverse background of experiences), I learned a lot as a GCA, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience for me. Some of the most valuable skills I gained were ones that didn’t seem so significant while I was working as a GCA but translated well to my knowledge base as a student.

As a GCA, I was very involved in the genetic counseling process from start to finish. This included chart review for patients coming in, drafting genetic testing orders, uploading reports once we received them, and calling out non-diagnostic results. Having this holistic understanding of what a genetic counseling session involves was helpful for me when first starting classes. I was already prepared for the level of knowledge we’re supposed to have as genetic counselors and I was familiar with concepts like testing options, how to decide on a test, and what concerns patients might bring into a session. This practical knowledge on the logistics of a session helped me take more away from my classes because I knew what the most important things to focus on were and what questions I could ask to fully understand the context of the information I was learning.

On a more patient-focused level, I also greatly benefited from the amount of shadowing and counseling exposure I had as a GCA. Coming into school, I was comfortable speaking to patients on the phone and in-person for sessions, which seems like a small thing, but has really helped me feel more confident going into simulated patient sessions and rotations. I also learned many soft skills from watching different genetic counselors in a multitude of patient situations. In classes we learn about skills that we can use in patient sessions, and having seen these in-person, I am able to better connect and understand the utility of many of these skills. The everyday exposure to appropriate and culturally sensitive language is another thing that has stuck with me. I feel better prepared to explain and talk about genetic concepts and disorders in a way that avoids language that may trigger judgement, blame, or negative connotation. Skills like this come more naturally from greater exposure to genetic counseling as a whole and working in a space dominated by genetic counselors.

As useful as this experience has been for me, I do want to reiterate again that it is absolutely not required to have GCA experience in order to be successful in grad school! Many of the skills I learned are not unique to a GCA job, either. There are so many experiences where you can become comfortable speaking with patients or learn to be mindful about your language. You can also learn so much from shadowing experiences and other exposures such as listening to genetic counseling podcasts or reading current literature. One thing I love about my cohort at Pitt is that each of my classmates bring in such different experiences, and I can see how those experiences have been helpful for them in their journey as well.

The last thing I want to say about my experience as a GCA is that I was able to get to know many different genetic counselors on a professional and personal level. Developing these relationships helped me feel more confident that I was in the right place. Every genetic counselor I worked with inspired me so much info many different ways and I am truly honored to be able to join them as a colleague in the future.

Food for the Soul: Finding Community through Food as a Pittsburgh Transplant - Julie Borovicka

 

    My first night in Pittsburgh, sitting in an empty apartment surrounded by boxes, my partner and I ate homemade pizza and a Caesar salad, made for us by my sister to welcome us to the city. I didn’t know it at the time, but food would become the catalyst for the formation and growth of many of my friendships in Pittsburgh.

    As our GC cohort of 11 got to know one another (and other friends from the Human Genetics department!), food was central to our larger gatherings from the beginning. We were welcomed to the city early in the semester by our second-year GC friends with a picnic in Mellen Park, and we ventured out to try new restaurants as a way to get to know the city and each other. As a new school year in an unfamiliar city loomed on the horizon, these connections made the transition a little less intimidating.

    Our food-related gatherings have only grown in magnitude since then. In November, we gathered for a truly formidable Friendsgiving feast – complete with a 25-pound turkey, side dishes galore, and pies, trifles, and tarts to finish. December brought on a cookie exchange party, with everyone bringing a batch of their favorite cookies to share and a large tin to swap cookies with friends. In the cold of winter and the stressfulness of final exams, these meetups were a much-needed brain break and source of whimsy (and sugar!). Each time we gather with each other to enjoy a meal, I am reminded that food can be a form of self-care – that sharing food nourishes not only our bodies, but also our emotional health. As we eat, we get to know one another better, sharing jokes, stories, and memories. 

                  

                  Friends at Friendsgiving           Cookies, ready to be exchanged

The connections I have made over these meals have added richness and joy to my life here in Pittsburgh, and for the rest of my post, I wanted to share some ways to start building a community that will nourish you, both physically and emotionally. So, without further ado, some ideas for building fellowship around food as you navigate a new city:

1. Host a dinner party

Hosting a dinner party doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Make a Partiful invite, ask new classmates to bring a dish to share, and encourage them to add to the guest list, and I promise you will be pleasantly surprised by the amount of new friends (and food) that show up. 

2. Rally a group to try a restaurant you’re curious about

I have found some of my favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh this way! If you’re already planning to head to check out a new place yourself, go one step further and send out a quick text and invite friends to come along.  

3. Volunteer at a local organization

Get involved at organizations like Community Kitchen or Ronald McDonald House, where you can volunteer alone or as part of a group to help prepare a hot meal, or at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, which has a number of opportunities available. This is a great way to both meet new people, give back to your greater community, and establish a regular volunteering commitment, if you’re interested in doing so.

4. If it’s nice outside, have a picnic in a local park

This is a great way to pair food with enjoying one of Pittsburgh’s beautiful parks – take advantage of the great weather and bring a blanket, a good book or a frisbee, and a picnic basket full of goodies to a park like Schenley, Frick, or Mellon to get out and see a little more of the community. Encourage friends to drop by while you’re there, or organize an impromptu game of ultimate frisbee or soccer.

5. Try out a food-related festival

To get to know the city of Pittsburgh better, why not try out one of its many food festivals? Local favorites like Picklesburgh and Pierogi Festival bring the city together, showcasing its quirky personality, some of its best and favorite foods, and often offer the bonus of live music and local art vendors to peruse, too. 

6. Keep an eye out for neighborhood gatherings

This is a tip that I have learned from living in my specific neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Friendship. The week that my partner and I moved into our apartment, we noticed signs posted for a block party and decided to attend. While enjoying a meal of burgers and hotdogs, we got to meet some of our neighbors. Since then, we have also attended our neighborhood Friendsgiving and cookie exchange, and always keep an eye out for the next neighborhood gathering. Getting to know our immediate neighbors means that our walks down the street are filled with more familiar faces and has expanded our sense of community in Pittsburgh beyond work and school.

    My parting advice to anyone looking to find friends in a new city? Go where the food is – community will always be close by. I hope this column has given you some practical advice for taking your first steps towards new meals, new recipes, and new friends. Happy eating!