From Experience to Expertise: Why Genetic Counseling Programs Require Key Experiences and How Pitt Expands on Them - Samantha Pokorny

When I first applied to genetic counseling programs, I often heard from current students that maintaining the required experiences of an applicant alongside the demanding curriculum was nearly impossible. Initially, I didn’t understand why these experiences were essential for application and seemed less emphasized during the program. In reality, these required experiences are not mere checkboxes but demonstrate essential skills fundamental to effective genetic counseling. As a student, I realized how these foundational experiences are built upon in the program.

Leadership skills are crucial for genetic counselors, who often find themselves in positions where they must guide patients through complex, emotionally charged decisions. I developed a non-profit organization that provided impoverished children birthday celebrations (see photo). Through this experience, I learned how to handle a crisis, make strategic decisions, and support my team. Now in the clinic, I have seen all of these skills translate when guiding patients and families through genetic testing and counseling. Leadership experiences are the foundation as Pitt dives deeper into specific topics through lectures on non-directiveness, crucial conversations, decision making, conflict resolution, intervention techniques, and many more.

Communication is at the heart of the genetic counseling profession. Genetic counselors must convey complex genetic information in a way that is understandable and supportive, requiring exceptional verbal and written communication skills. I was able to develop my communication skills through competing in pageants (see photo), a nontraditional experience that taught me public speaking, interpersonal interactions, and active listening skills.
Pitt teaches how to apply these foundational skills to genetics specifically through practicing explaining complex topics in patient language, writing patient letters, role-playing, and simulated patients. 

Genetic counseling as a field is ever changing, and thus requires both a long-term commitment to the profession. I have always been passionate about learning and self-growth. But how exactly does one go about portraying that in application? My resume went beyond shadowing and interviews, it included podcasts, books, television series, and magazines. Long-term engagement in relevant activities demonstrates a genuine passion for the field, which is essential for the continuous learning and adaptation required in genetic counseling. I’ve seen this applied when genetic counselors encourage us students during our rotations to look into the most recent research and include it in our patient’s appointments. 

To appreciate and interpret research, foundational research experience can be
beneficial. It helps genetic counselors stay attuned to the latest advancements in genetics. My undergraduate work in a pearl millet lab (see photo), including writing and defending my thesis, taught me genetic techniques, research interpretation, data analysis, and applying research on a large scale. In Pitt’s program, there are entire classes built on this idea; Genetic Techniques, Bioinformatics, and Case Conference teach variant interpretation, scientific literature evaluation, and application of research to patients.

Volunteering in crisis counseling provides direct interactions with individuals in distress. Volunteering over 1,900 hours on a sexual assault hotline honed my active listening, empathy, and communication skills while teaching me to navigate emotional challenges and manage stress. Pitt’s program takes this as foundational and expands further into topics like transference, countertransference, advanced empathy, and self-care. Yeah, we had a lecture on self-care because Pitt’s GC program cares about the longevity of their students’ mental health and careers. 

Genetic counselors are often advocating for the patient’s needs, supporting informed decision-making, and navigating complex healthcare systems. I worked as a genetic counseling assistant in a cancer genetics office where I got to be a part of a team that helped fight for patients’ care by writing letters of medical necessity, supporting all paths of medical journeys, and helping patients navigate the relationship between healthcare and insurance. This experience taught me a deep understanding of patient rights and ethical considerations, which are built on at Pitt in lectures on advocacy and ethics. 

Genetic counselors work with individuals from a variety of cultural,
socio-economic, and racial backgrounds. I had the opportunity to study abroad in college where I learned about cultures and values that differed from my own (see photo). This inspired me to obtain my Global Education and Leadership Certificate in undergraduate, which taught me that all individuals deserve treatment and care in a culturally competent and equitable manner. This is pushed in Pitt’s program as we learn the advantages and disadvantages to different appointment models, how to handle cultural bumps, and ethnocultural considerations. 

When applying to genetic counseling schools, programs are looking for these foundational skills in your life experiences. The types of experiences you have can vary; mine took many traditional and non-traditional paths which were accumulated throughout my life. As a candidate, you must emphasize how your experiences translate into the professional practice of a genetic counselor. As a student at Pitt, I have truly been able to further appreciate how a genetic counseling program takes these life experiences, and expand on them in an academic and clinical setting.