Class of 2020: Looking Ahead

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

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

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

Class of 2020 and friends celebrate Friendsgiving!