Student Spotlight: Maria Rhine

 

        The day I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2019 was also the day I received a job offer from PreventionGenetics in Wisconsin to be a full-time genetic counseling assistant (GCA). I knew that I wanted to be a genetic counselor and had directed my undergraduate education towards that goal. I also knew the rigors and competitiveness of the genetic counseling admissions process. During the fall semester of my senior year, I applied to a few graduate schools but did not receive any interviews, so I became committed to spending my gap year as a GCA. I believed that was the experience I needed to apply the next cycle, and I had time during my spring semester to apply for any and all positions that became available. I was determined and I didn’t let distance limit me. I received interviews for positions in Utah and New York City and Texas and Wisconsin. I was incredibly excited to receive my offer from PreventionGenetics, so after discussing with my family and making an extensive pros and cons list, I decided to pack up my life and move to Wisconsin. As I’ve met more people in the genetic counseling field, I know I am not alone in this experience; I admire all of the applicants who have uprooted their lives or challenged themselves to take on a new role or continued to push themselves after an unsuccessful round of applying – all to follow their passions towards becoming a genetic counselor.

 

At PreventionGenetics, I was introduced to the laboratory world of genetic testing; I spent time answering phone calls and emails with questions about testing strategies, costs of tests, and sample collection. I also got experience with viewing genetic testing reports and assisting with report writing. I feel like all of these responsibilities added to my knowledge of genetics and genetic testing and helped me become a successful applicant for GC school. Reflecting back on my decision, I am so glad I decided to take the job and spend my gap year as a GCA.

 

            My decision to move across the country ended up paying off in a big way. I worked hard and will say that getting into Pitt for genetic counseling school has been one of my greatest achievements. I was so excited to start graduate school and return to the city that I love. I took some time off from my job at PreventionGenetics to get adjusted to school, which I think ended up being the best decision for me. Once I was organized and acquainted to graduate school life, I was able to restart as a part-time genetic counseling assistant. My responsibilities changed from clinical tasks to abstracting clinical notes for exomes. This new role has helped me gain more experience reading clinical notes and has added to my knowledge of medical terminology. I think having this position has helped me in my second year as a GC student as I am transitioning to rotations and reading through medical records regularly. Having a part-time job while in graduate school is definitely a major challenge, and my best advice is to trust yourself and know your limits. Overall, taking a genetic counseling assistant position has helped me get closer to my goal of being a GC. I am grateful to PreventionGenetics for the opportunity, and I am also grateful to have a work position that adds to what I am learning during my time in Pitt’s genetic counseling program. 

-Maria Rhine