The Cohort Behind the Cohort: 5 Things I Learned About the People Who Support Us in Grad School- Estella Roster

        When I moved to Pittsburgh to start genetic counseling graduate school, I wasn’t the only one whose life changed. My partner packed up his life and came here with me (and our cats had to endure the cross-country road trip). This wasn’t the first time he had relocated to support my career ambitions, and as I have settled into the program, I started thinking about what this experience has been like from his perspective.

          The graduate school experience is something we talk about a lot as students—but what about all the people who support us through it? Curious about their perspectives, I sent out a short survey to my classmates and their partners to learn more. Here are the 5 main things I learned:

1.        Nobody really knows what they’re signing up for

            One of the questions I asked partners was how well they understood what genetic counseling graduate school would be like before their partner started the program. Most partners reported a relatively low understanding of GC school before it began. However, when asked how well they understood the workload and responsibilities now, nearly all reported a much better understanding.

            This result highlights just how difficult GC school can be to explain. Many of us have learned to describe genetic counseling—and our unique graduate school experience—over and over again. For our partners, the time commitments of clinic and coursework, the emotional labor that comes with this profession, and the unpredictability of our schedules aren't always obvious until they're living alongside someone in the program.

2.        Partners end up in grad school too (sort of)

            While our partners may not get Pitt student IDs or Canvas logins, many end up adapting their lives alongside us. For my relationship, our household dynamics shifted—my partner became the primary financial provider, while I have focused on school and took on more responsibilities at home.  

            Many survey respondents reported similar changes. Partners described adjustments related to relocation, finances, household responsibilities, and generally having less quality time available with their partners. 

            While many of us reported spending less time with our partners, Pittsburgh has no shortage of ways to make that time meaningful—we can go to movies at the Manor, attempt karaoke at Tequila Cowboy, or simply enjoying each other’s company at home on the weekends by playing Stardew Valley and listening to new music. We've learned to make the most of the time we have together.

3.        Understanding the schedule isn’t the same as understanding the experience

            At the end of the survey, I asked GC students if there was anything that they wished their partner understood better about our experiences. Many people commented on the weight of clinic stress, the psychosocial burdens of a counseling career, and the mental load of remembering all of our genetic conditions and management guidelines while still juggling what we need from the grocery store this week or keeping up with car maintenance. The mental load is substantial, and we often rely on our partners and our classmates to help keep us afloat.

            At the same time, our partners carry burdens of their own. One GC student shared that they feel like they can get so focused on clinic responsibilities that they forget their partner is carrying their own challenges too. I’ve dealt with this in my relationship too—since life has become a seemingly never-ending cycle of deadlines and clinic prep, it can be easy to stay focused on what needs to get done next. But I’ve found that it’s just as important to check in with our partners too. We carry each other. 

4.        Most relationships actually got stronger

            This wasn’t the result I expected to get from the survey. I thought that perhaps the stress of clinic and having less time together would put more strain on our relationships. Instead, 5/7 partners reported that their relationships have actually become stronger since starting grad school. Interestingly, partners tended to view the impact on their relationship more positively than the students themselves did. 

            When I asked partners about the positive aspects of having a partner in the program, respondents frequently reported feeling a sense of pride in their partner, having their own personal growth, and creating shared goals with their partner.  This goes to show grad school does more than train a student to be a genetic counselor. It can also encourage growth in those who support us and may even strengthen our relationships too.

5.        Support comes in many forms

            Although this survey focused on partners, not everyone enters graduate school with a partner, and not everyone relies on the same kinds of support systems.

            One cohort-mate of mine shared that ending a relationship before graduate school ultimately helped her develop a stronger sense of independence and encouraged her to build up friendships within our program and outside of it. Her experience reminded me that there isn’t a single “right” way to navigate grad school.

            Personally, one of the most meaningful parts of this experience has been the kinship I’ve found within my cohort. Before grad school, I did not know many people who knew what genetic counseling was, let alone the application process or what the training experience looked like. Now, I have classmates who understand exactly what I’m going through, and that shared experience has created friendships that I’m sure will extend beyond the program. No matter who you come to school with or if you arrive on your own, you won’t go through it alone.

 Conclusion

            Graduate school changes more than the lives of the students within the program—our partners, friends, and other supports adapt right alongside with us. They celebrate our successes, help us through stressful weeks, and remind us who we are outside of school.

            When I reviewed survey responses, one comment stood out to me more than any one statistic: “I wish my partner understood how grateful I am for them.”

            After a year of classes and now a month of rotations, I think that sentiment captures exactly what I want to say. To all the partners, family members, and supporters who have made graduate school possible and worthwhile: thank you, and we love you. 

A Week in the Life of a Genetic Counseling Student: Starting My Prenatal Rotation - Nyemah Palmer

    Starting my prenatal rotation has been one of the most exciting parts of genetic counseling training at Pitt so far. Every week looks a little different, which keeps things interesting and provides opportunities to learn from a variety of counselors and patient cases. Clinic days can vary from week to week, and the genetic counselor I am paired with changes as well, allowing me to observe different counseling styles and approaches.

Sunday: Case Preparation

    My prenatal week typically begins on Sunday with case preparation. I review the schedule for the genetic counselor I will be working with and begin looking through the charts of each patient scheduled for the upcoming day.

    During case prep, I review referral reasons, ultrasound findings, prior genetic testing results, family histories, and any other relevant medical information. Prenatal genetics often involves piecing together information from multiple sources, so preparation is essential. As I prepare cases, I often find myself revisiting lecture slides and notes from class. These resources are incredibly helpful for refreshing my understanding of specific genetic conditions, testing methodologies, and counseling considerations, allowing me to fill in any knowledge gaps before meeting with patients.Having a thorough understanding of each case beforehand helps me feel more confident and allows me to contribute meaningfully during patient appointments.

Monday: Clinic Day

    On clinic days, I arrive about an hour before the first appointment to make sure my preparation is complete and to check whether any patients have been added to the schedule overnight. Prenatal schedules can change quickly, and new referrals often appear with little notice.

    About 30 minutes before the first patient, I meet with the genetic counselor to discuss as many of the day's cases as possible. We review my findings from case preparation, discuss important counseling points, and determine how each session will be structured. We also talk about which portions of each appointment I would like to lead, whether that involves obtaining a family history, discussing screening options, reviewing testing results, or providing patient education.

    Throughout the day, I gradually take on more responsibility while still having the support of my supervising counselor. One of the most valuable parts of the clinic experience is the debrief after each appointment. We discuss what went well, areas for improvement, and strategies I can apply during the next patient encounter. These conversations provide immediate feedback and help me continue developing my counseling skills.

Tuesday: Preparation Day

    Some weeks, Tuesday may be another clinic day, but this particular week it was designated as a preparation day. I spent the day working at my genetic counselor assistant position before returning home to prepare cases for the following clinic day.

    One thing I have learned quickly is that prenatal schedules are constantly evolving. New referrals frequently arrive throughout the day, so I make it a habit to check the schedule again after most appointments have been entered, usually around 5:00 PM. Staying flexible is an important part of working in prenatal genetics.

Wednesday: More Clinical Experience

    Depending on the week's schedule, Wednesday often means another day in clinic. Each patient encounter is unique, exposing me to a wide range of indications for referral, including abnormal ultrasound findings, positive screening results, advanced maternal age, family history concerns, and discussions about prenatal testing options.

    Every appointment reinforces how important it is to balance technical genetic knowledge with compassionate patient-centered counseling. Watching experienced counselors navigate difficult conversations while supporting patients through complex decisions has been one of the most impactful aspects of this rotation.

Thursday: Case Conference and Class

    Thursday begins with our prenatal case conference. During these meetings, students and genetic counselors come together to discuss interesting or educational cases from the week.

    For this conference, I selected the case that I found most interesting and presented a brief overview to the prenatal team and fellow students. Presenting cases allows me to practice clinical reasoning, improve my presentation skills, and learn from the perspectives of other team members. The discussion often leads to valuable insights that I may not have considered on my own.

    After case conference, I shift gears and prepare for class. I then make my way to Oakland for an afternoon of coursework. Balancing clinical rotations, presentations, classes, and outside responsibilities can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding to see how everything connects together.

Friday: Flexible Learning Opportunities

    Fridays are often flexible and depend on what happened earlier in the week. If I have already met my required case numbers, I may use the day to catch up on coursework or other responsibilities. However, if there is an especially interesting case scheduled or an opportunity to observe something new, I may return to clinic.

    One of my favorite aspects of the prenatal rotation is that no two weeks are exactly alike. There is always the possibility of encountering a rare diagnosis, a unique ultrasound finding, or a challenging counseling situation. These unexpected learning opportunities make every week exciting and continue to reinforce why I chose genetic counseling.

Saturday: Reflection and Self-Care

    I try to reserve Saturdays as a day for self-care and reflection. Genetic counseling training can be demanding, and it is important to make time for myself and the activities that help me recharge. Sometimes that means catching up with friends or family, taking a walk, reading, or simply spending time doing things I enjoy outside of genetics.

    I also use this time to process the experiences of the week. Prenatal genetics can be particularly challenging from a psychological and emotional perspective, and I have learned the importance of recognizing and addressing the feelings that may arise from difficult cases. During clinic days, I am often focused on preparing thoroughly, participating as actively as possible in appointments, and incorporating feedback from my supervisors. Because of this, I do not always have the opportunity in the moment to fully reflect on how a case affected me personally.

    Saturday gives me the space to think more deeply about the families I met and the conversations we had. Many of these patients entered their appointments expecting a healthy pregnancy and baby, only to be faced with unexpected information and difficult decisions. Taking time to reflect on these experiences helps me better understand my own emotional responses and develop greater empathy as a future counselor.

    Rather than evaluating my performance or focusing on what I could have done differently, I use this day to reconnect with how I am feeling, process the week, and prepare myself mentally and emotionally for the week ahead. I have found that this intentional reflection is just as important to my growth as the clinical experiences themselves.

Final Thoughts

    Although starting a clinical rotation can feel overwhelming, the prenatal setting has already provided countless opportunities for growth. From preparing cases and participating in counseling sessions to presenting at case conferences and learning from multiple supervisors, each week helps me build the skills needed to become a confident genetic counselor. I am looking forward to seeing what the rest of the rotation brings.

Guideposts as a First-Generation Graduate Student - Kajal Patel

As a first-generation graduate student, I have found immense value in sharing the Genetic Counseling profession with my family and friends. Although it may seem isolating embarking on secondary education, there are shared experiences amongst my cohort. For example, my peers and I have all encountered at least one person that is learning about genetic counseling for the first time – being a niche healthcare profession. I’ve balanced all sorts of questions like; what interests you about this field, how long is your program, where do you envision working, and so on. In my case, I’ve fielded these curiosities for a while, and this stems from how invested my support system is in my career. Their hope is that I work in a field where I can feel fulfilled, be financially independent, and contribute back to the community. I’m sure these values can be applicable to many, so I would like to share some advice as I enter my second year of graduate school. 

    1. Lean on your community

Navigating graduate school, especially one as rigorous as genetic counseling, has significantly improved when I involve my support system. For example, I’ve practiced genetics concepts and taking family histories with my parents and cousins. Not only did this help work out my questions and nerves, but it also clarified what exactly a GC talks about with my family members. They’ve learned about the intricacies in genetics concepts and the key role GCs play in healthcare. In addition, I’ve definitely leaned on my cohort throughout this first-year. We’ve planned times to practice patient simulations with each other, take breaks and explore Pittsburgh, and check in on how each other is doing with coursework. Lean on your cohort, as they are training for genetic counseling for the first time too! 

    2. Understanding self-care and its importance

 

Self-care is incredibly important for graduate school, but it is key for our career as well! We need to find hobbies and routines that can bring us comfort after stressful days and emotionally heavy patient cases. Burnout in this career is real and our leadership makes sure that we check in with ourselves through advising appointments and in between classes. Practicing self-care will help us be fully present with patients, and makes this a key element in our training.

 

Everyone’s approach to self-care is a little bit different, but I find it helpful to have one of each: physical, mindful, and social. My weekly routine includes calling my friends and family after my school/work day, going on long walks, and taking yoga classes. While a majority of my support system is outside of Pittsburgh, calling them regularly makes it seem like they are right next to me and in the thick of it. I also love to try new skincare, explore new restaurants with friends, and find time to unwind with TV shows. Be sure to read Julie (Food for the Soul), Emily (Community Crawl), and Leslie’s (Friends, Hobbies, and Mental Health in Grad School) posts, as they’ve got amazing advice!  

     3. Believe in yourself!

 

Creating a robust study plan, reaching out to faculty for support, and being honest with your cohort will help you gain the most out of your graduate school experience. I’ve used SMART goals to help break down large items on my to-do list into approachable and timely tasks. There are going to be exams or assignments that build up over the semester, so managing your time and expectations is really valuable. Second, I’ve really appreciated that faculty and leadership in this training program are open to meeting with you one-on-one to discuss topics that you might need help on. This requires initiative and vulnerability, but ultimately they are here to support your education. I would advise reaching out sooner than later to ensure you’re comfortable with the material before moving on! Lastly, I am truly thankful for our cohort for being so supportive, patient, and honest with each other. We are driven by the same passion and care for others, so it's nice to cheer each other on! 

 

Remember, you are stepping out and embarking on a new path. Be proud of yourself! 

Staying Sane: Friends, Hobbies and Mental Health in Grad School - Leslie Johnson

Let’s get one thing straight: grad school is hard. It’s a completely different ball game compared to undergrad, and if you’ve already been in the workforce for a few years, getting back into “school mode” can be difficult. Students who are neurodivergent or managing a mental illness often find this transition to be especially challenging, whether it be due to having to move to a new city away from their support system, the rigor of the material itself, or the number of responsibilities one has to manage at once. 

Do not fret, however! The same big, beautiful brain that got you into grad school is also perfectly capable of getting you through this challenging time in one piece. All you need is the proper help and support. In this post, I’ve laid out my Top Three Tips to help you hang on to the tattered remains of your sanity from orientation to graduation.

 

Tip #1: Ensure Continuity of Care

                  As future healthcare workers, we know that adherence to a treatment plan is key for a patient’s short and long-term success. In this case, it’s time for us to take our own advice. If you’ve been prescribed medication, keep taking it throughout your tenure at grad school, and try to meet with your doctor or psychiatrist on a semi-regular basis to tweak your dosages as needed. If you’re not prescribed medication, but think it may help you, try to get in touch with either a local physician or a telehealth service. I personally found that the gap between Match Day in April and moving during the summer gave me plenty of time to find a new primary care physician and other members of my care team, and allowed me to schedule intake appointments for around the same time the new semester was starting. 

                  If you’ve been seeing a therapist, or think talking to a therapist would help you, post-Match is also the perfect time to set this up. There are a variety of public and private practices throughout the Pittsburgh area you can use, however, the School of Public Health itself also has an embedded therapist who is able to see students free of charge. If interested, you can email them at SPHTherapist@pitt.edu to set up an intake consultation. If you choose to seek support outside the School of Public Health, please also be sure that the therapist you’re seeing is either a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC/CAADC).

                  Finally, in terms of paying for medical care, Pitt has a UPMC student health insurance plan that you can purchase starting in August of each year, making you in-network with one of the largest healthcare systems in the Pittsburgh area. Alternatively, you can see if you qualify for Pennsylvania Medicaid and use that service instead; individuals with disabilities or with incomes at or below 133% of the Federal Income Poverty Guidelines may be eligible for coverage. In addition, if you’re under 26 and your parent(s) receive health insurance via their job, you can ask to see if they’d be willing to keep you on their plan throughout grad school.

 

Tip #2: Schedule Recreation

                   Human beings are not machines, and the specter of burnout looms heavy over us all. In order to stave it off, it’s essential that you fit some fun into your schedule: go to a Pirates game, take a walk in the park, read a new book, listen to a favorite album or podcast on the bus. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and it doesn’t have to be fancy, but giving your brain a break every once in a while is going to be key to your long-term success in grad school. Be sure to socialize with your classmates as often as you can outside class as well: go to a birthday party at a classmate’s apartment, get discounted movie tickets at The Manor Theater in Squirrel Hill, hit up a local spot during Happy Hour, or head to Tequila Cowboy for some karaoke. 

                  As someone who is terminally distracted, I’ve found that reminders and timers are especially helpful in this regard. It’s way easier to not get caught up writing or playing a videogame if I have an alarm—or let’s be real here, multiple alarms—letting me know it’s time to come back to Earth. At the same time, if I’m preparing for an exam or a session with a simulated patient, having a little reminder pop up telling me it’s time to take a break, drink some water, and decompress is just the thing I need to keep myself from burning out completely.

 

Tip #3: Foster Cohort Solidarity

                  At the end of the day, we’re all we’ve got. Forging good, sincere relationships with your cohort is essential to success, in my opinion, and having solid, reliable people to talk to or help you in a pinch is worth its weight in gold. Every time I talk to my friends in my cohort, I learn something new, and I honestly could not have gotten through this first year at Pitt without them. So, when you have the time and the energy, do your part: offer to study together or pick up extra groceries at the store for them, be a listening ear when they’re feeling frustrated or down, and offer sincere compliments and encouragement to raise their spirits. Basically, treat your new friends how you’d want them to treat you, and the rest will fall into place naturally. At the same time, however, don’t be afraid to ask them for help, even if the thought is frightening at first. Odds are you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many people will happily be there to lend you a hand and lift you up as well.

                  

I hope these tips have been helpful and have helped put at least some of the challenges you may face in perspective. Now, go forth and conquer graduate school! The world needs you, your future patients need you, and I personally look forward to having you as a future colleague as well.

Community Crawl: Things to do in Pittsburgh neighborhood by neighborhood - Emily Heiser

 Pittsburgh is like a patchwork quilt; the energy of the city revolves around its many neighborhoods, each with its own history and unique draws.  Whether you’ve lived here 5 months or 5 years, there’s always something new to see. Let’s explore some of these areas of the city and my personal favorite spots, starting with those closest to campus!

*Free admission for Pitt students

Oakland

The hub of academics and health care in the city, Oakland, is where we find the University and our school of public health. Around us are UPMC Magee, Presbyterian, and even more hospitals, clinics, and research centers that make up a large part of Pittsburgh’s biomedical influence (not to mention clinic sites!). Whether you’re looking for a museum to explore or the perfect study spot, Oakland has so much to offer. 

Favorite Bite to Eat: The Porch

Favorite Coffee: Divvy 

Favorite Place to Get Lost: Carnegie Museum of Art & Natural History*

Top Spot: Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden*

 

Shadyside

Shadyside has a few main streets full of businesses and restaurants. I see it as the best place in the city for a social outing, and some of the best food! A walk down Walnut Street on a nice spring day is a perfect destress activity. 

Favorite Bite to Eat: Kujira!!!

Favorite Coffee: Delanie’s

Favorite Place to Get Lost: Shadyside Art Festival

Top Spot: Kards Unlimited

  

Squirrel Hill

Squirrel Hill is where I lived my first semester, along with several other cohort members! Murray Ave has many unique businesses to explore, and Squirrel Hill is right next door to Schenley Park, one of my personal favorite spots in the city. It’s also a quick drive across the river to the waterfront, where you can find AMC Theater, Dave and Busters, and many more shopping choices. 

Favorite Bite to Eat: Squirrel Hill Cafe

Favorite Coffee: Meccha Matcha

Favorite Place to Get Lost: Squirrel Hill Night Market

Top Spot: Pigeon Bagels

 

East Liberty

East Lib is where I go for the essentials. On my shopping days, I can stop at Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Target, PetSmart, Home Depot, and grab a bite to eat. Another great area for students to live and commute to school. 

Favorite Bite to Eat: Dancing Crab Thai

Favorite Coffee: Margaux

Favorite Place to Get Lost: Bakery Square 

Top Spot: Trader Joe’s

 

Strip District

I love Sunday mornings in the Strip, starting of course with Pamela’s Hotcakes and a drink from one of the many coffee shops. Historic businesses like Enrico’s bakery, Penn Mac, and Wholey’s Fish Market are just a short walk from modern night life at the Puttshack, Aslin Beer Company, and Novo Food Hall. Wandering down the terminal I’ve found a go-to nail salon and the cutest plant shop. 

Favorite Bite to Eat: Pamela’s Diner

Favorite Coffee: Allegheny Coffee Co. 

Favorite Place to Get Lost: Heinz History Museum

Top Spot: Wholey’s Fish Market

 

Cultural District

The Cultural District is the coolest part of downtown! I’ve been to many shows between the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, and the orchestra at Heinz Hall. It’s the best area for arts and entertainment, and you can stop by Howl at the Moon after a show to keep the night going with some music. Plus, all roads lead down to Point Park, where firework shows, pop-up concerts, and festivals can fill many Saturdays. 

Favorite Bite to Eat: Proper Brick Oven and Tap House

Favorite Drink: The Spritzery

Favorite Place to Get Lost: Three Rivers Heritage Trail

Top Spot: The Benedum Center

 

North Shore

The North Shore proves why Pittsburgh is great whether you’re a sports fan, music lover, or both. I won’t forget the division championship Raven’s-Steelers Game, or Noah Kahan at Stage AE. Also, home to Allegheny General Hospital (Featured on The Pitt) and North Shore Riverfront Park. 

Favorite Bite to Eat: Burgatory

Favorite Drink: Too many to pick from ;)

Favorite Place to Get Lost: The Science Center

Top Spot: The National Aviary

South Side

Another busy area for students! Carson Street has so many fun businesses and restaurants, not to mention even more over at South Side Works. 

Fav Coffee: Delanie’s (Again)

Favorite Place to Get Lost (In the chocolate sauce): Page’s Dairy

Fav Food: Urban Tap (Shout out to trivia night!)

Top Spot: Ascend Climbing Gym

 

These are just a few of the dozens of neighborhoods that make up the beautiful city of Pittsburgh. I hope you’ve found some new places to try across the city, if you’re coming to stay or just for a visit. Social life and self-care are such an important part of grad school, and I couldn’t imagine building relationships with cohort members or finding so much time in nature anywhere else.