Three Generations of Genetic Counseling Club

The Pitt Genetic Counseling Club was established in 2016. The club aims to educate students on genetic counseling as a career, as well as assist with applications for those already decided on the career. The GC Club meets twice a month, with periodic workshops and volunteer opportunities.  Jodie Vento serves as the faculty mentor for the group.  Hear from three past and current members about their experiences in the Pitt Genetic Counseling Club!

Gopika  Jan 2019-April 2022

I first heard about genetic counseling during spring semester my freshman year, and joined Pitt’s genetic counseling club shortly after that. Through attending club meetings, I was able to learn more about the genetic counseling field and confirm that this was the career I wanted to pursue. One of my favorite parts of the genetic counseling club was being a part of the communications committee, a small group of club members that put together a newsletter discussing different topics related to genetic counseling. We wrote articles about various genetic conditions, current challenges in the genetic counseling field, tips for grad school applications, and interviewed current genetic counselors (GCs) and GC students. Writing and editing articles for the newsletter helped me educate myself on the current state of the genetic counseling field. For example, following the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, there was an increase in the use of telemedicine. We decided to focus our next newsletter on telegenetics, writing articles about the benefits and challenges of telemedicine and interviewing a GC who provided services solely via telemedicine. Conducting research for articles and speaking with GCs was definitely beneficial for growing my understanding of the field, and preparing for grad school applications. I’m so thankful for my time in the genetic counseling club and I hope it continues to be a wonderful resource for future prospective GC students.

 

Grace  August 2019-April 2023

My time within Pitt’s genetic counseling club is something I will never forget. Much of my understanding of the field was garnered at club meetings where we would speak with practicing GCs, have genetics related ethical debates, learn about various genetic disorders, hear from current students, and evaluate the process of applying to graduate schools. It was inspiring to find a community of people who shared my passions and be able to learn and grow together. One of the biggest blessings of being in the club was having a supportive and noncompetitive community when applying to programs. On several occasions, those applying would get together to discuss their CVs and personal statements, and even practice for interviews. It tremendously helped to make me feel less alone when going through a very stressful process. Overall, my time within Pitt’s genetic counseling club bolstered my love for the profession, helped me develop key skills, and provided me with life-long friendships.

 

Alyssa  August 2020-Present

I first joined as a member of the Genetic Counseling Club at Pitt during the Fall 2020 semester—my very first semester of undergrad. Coming into college with an interest and some previous knowledge about the field of genetic counseling, I was beyond excited to join a club dedicated to the field. I attended online club meetings every two weeks since my freshman year of college was completely online (due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Between navigating the nerves and uncertainty of my first year of college, acclimating to online classes, and attempting to make friends in a time of such overwhelming isolation, I found support in the Genetic Counseling Club - every other week I had something to look forward to. In addition to the club meetings, I was able to write for the club’s student-led newsletter. I appreciated the opportunity to focus and really dive into different topics and discussions in the field, and I enjoyed being able to collaborate with peers to produce an engaging resource. The genetic counseling club allowed me the opportunity to get to know my fellow peers who shared similar aspirations and a passion for pursuing a career in GC—and I am forever grateful to have met such a supportive and encouraging group of friends!

 

For more information on the Genetic Counseling Club including meeting dates/times, visit their webpage, email gccatpitt@gmail.com or follow @gcc_upgh on Instagram.