The class of 2020 is thrilled to be
in Pittsburgh as students in the Pitt GC Program! In the following, we share
the things that excite us about living in Pittsburgh and starting the Program:
"One thing I’m excited to
experience while living in Pittsburgh is all of the great food! As for the genetic counseling program, I am
excited to learn more about how to talk with patients about how genetics has
changed their day to day life and what I can do as a provider to help and
advocate for them." -Christine Drogan
"I can’t wait to try all of
the amazing food in Pittsburgh, and I’m thrilled to live in a city where I can
get by without a car. As for the program, I’m so excited to finally train to
pursue the career I’ve been working towards since high school! I’m also excited
to be in the dual degree program; there are only two schools in the country
where you can get an MPH in public health genetics, and I think training in
public health genetics will be a huge asset as I move forward in my career." -Claire McDonald
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| The class of 2020 celebrates GC Awareness Day |
"I’m so excited to continue
exploring Pittsburgh’s many things to do -- between museums, sports, hiking,
theater, Kennywood, and Pierogi fest, there are many things on my 'Must Try'
list! The thing that excites me most about starting in the Pitt GC program is
being able to learn from experienced genetic counselors and Pitt Public Health
faculty. I can’t wait to build my skill
set and enter the workforce as a genetic counselor and public health professional
with the experience I am gaining with these mentors and their patients." -Lauren Winter
"I’m originally from Southern
California, so even though I’ve been in Pittsburgh for a year, I’m still
excited about seasons! Pittsburgh has a lot of things to do, and many of these
things change depending on the season. I can’t wait for the snow so I can try
tubing for the first time. As far as the program goes, it’s hard to come up
with one thing. I’m looking forward to engaging with people affected by the
conditions we study. It’s important that we understand the perspectives of the
people we’re serving and listen to what is important to patients. No one is a
better expert on how these conditions affect daily life than the people living
with these conditions, and I think we’re really lucky that people are willing
to share their experiences with us." -Vickie Bacon
"I’m going on my seventh year
living here and haven’t gone to the zoo yet, so I’m looking forward to possibly
doing that this year. I’m very excited for the clinical rotation portion of the
program because it will allow me to see a broader variety of patients, as my
current experience is mostly with cancer, prenatal, and general adult patients.
Pediatrics, cardiology, primary care, and neurology are only some of the
additional clinic sites that I am looking forward to working in." -Andrew Fazenbaker
"I’m excited to be back in
school and can’t wait to learn everything I can about genetic counseling and
being a resource and advocate for patients navigating complex situations. However,
grad school can’t be all work and no fun, so I’m looking forward to exploring
and enjoying all there is to do in Pittsburgh!" -Alyson Evans
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| Members of the class of 2020 at a Penguins game |
"I’m excited to check out all
the local sports teams: Panthers, Pirates, Penguins, and Steelers! I’m also
excited to be around so many people who are passionate and enthusiastic about
genetics. Yay science!" -Rose Venier
"I’m excited to be back in
Pittsburgh to be close to family and experience all of the amazing changes that
the city has undergone since I was growing up. I’m excited that the GC program
will give me the opportunity to learn and grow with amazing classmates,
faculty, and mentors by my side!" -Stephanie Betts
"I am excited to be living in a
new city and can’t wait to go to a Penguins game! As for the GC program, I am excited
for all of the different clinical rotation opportunities and finding the
specialty I want to work in!" -Sarah McGee
"Since the state I grew up
in does not have a professional hockey team, I never had the chance to attend a
game, so I am definitely most excited to go to a Penguins game this season! As
for the Pitt GC program, I am looking forward to our clinical rotations
starting in the summer-especially since Pittsburgh’s health care systems offer
the opportunity of various specialty rotations." -Caroline Bong
"Having grown up here in Pittsburgh, I am super
excited to be spending my graduate time here. I am delighted to be living 'dahntahn' and continue exploring all the gems that Pittsburgh has to offer.
One thing I am excited for about starting the GC program here at Pitt is diving
in to the clinical rotations during the summer. I work in a pediatric setting
so I am looking forward to exploring other areas of genetic counseling practice." -Ashley Lahr
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| Class of 2020 and friends celebrate Friendsgiving! |
