Interview Advice from the class of 2019

Congratulations on having an interview! My advice to you is to be yourself, have questions, and also interview the school. Remember, you already proved yourself on paper, now programs want to know your personality and style to see if you’d be a good fit for the program. You will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions, so be sure to have them prepared for your interviewers, faculty, and students. Finally, ask yourself if you could see yourself at this program – do you like the city, the school, the students, the rotations, the class set-up,  extracurriculars, etc? Good luck!

-Megan Hoenig

Congratulations on your interview! Amongst all the excitement and jitters you’re probably feeling, don’t forget to take a deep breath and be yourself! Take advantage of different opportunities to interact with faculty and current students. These moments will be a great chance to ask more questions and get to know the dynamic of the program to see if it’s the right fit for you. Good luck!

-Alyssa Azevedo

Take a second to pat yourself on the back, you got an interview!!! Now the hardest part is out of the way, and they already think you’re pretty great, so now is the time for you to figure out if it’s the place for you.  I recommend coming up with a list of questions and taking notes after each interview so it is easier for you to look back on. I had friends (even those outside of science) who helped me practice for interviews. I found being forced to say some of my answers out loud was very helpful, and I found my best interviews were after I’d had a chance to practice.  Wear something that makes you feel great about yourself!

Good luck!

-Natasha Robin Berman

Congratulations! Take pride in the fact that you got an interview because it is quite an accomplishment. Remember that you are interviewing Pitt as much as they are interviewing you. Explore the area if you get the opportunity, and talk to as many students and faculty as possible. Just stay calm because everyone is genuine and wants to get to know you! Good luck!

-Rebecca Clark

Congratulations on getting an interview, you are one step closer to becoming a future genetic counselor!  My advice would be to write down questions beforehand, it is so easy to forget questions in the moment.  This will also allow you to go back and look at what you asked and what some of the answers to those questions were.  Also, don’t be afraid to interact with the faculty and current students—remember these could be your future classmates, professors, and colleagues.  Lastly, (try to) relax and be yourself!  Best of luck!

-Rachel Sutton

How exciting! We look forward to welcoming you during your interview. Interviewing is great, because it is one of a few times in life that you get to really show off how impressive you are in person, with a confidence-inspiring backdrop of how impressive you already looked on paper! My advice is to take some quality time to explore and understand your unique priorities and motivations, personally, professionally, and academically. If you have done this before your interviews, it is much easier to come up with critically important questions to ask about what life is like as a student in the program; specific questions that can really help you find out if it is a good fit for you. In my interview experience, I found that each program had unique vibes, strengths, and focuses- make sure you explore and feel these aspects out, then write them down so you remember how you felt about the people, school, and area/city. Cheers!

-Charlotte Skinner

Woo! Way to go- you’re halfway there! I cannot really say more than any of my classmates above have so beautifully articulated. Just be yourself, do your best, and really try to have fun! Wherever you choose, you’ll be spending the next 2 years there so try your best to get a sense of not only the school and faculty but the city as well. Take lots of notes right after your interview, what you thought of everything you heard and saw that day- it will really help you when it’s ranking time. I wish you all the best of luck, I’m sure you’ll do great!

-Samantha Afonso

Congrats! You've done the hard work. Now, give yourself the best chance to show everyone how amazing of a classmate and future colleague you will be! Don’t underestimate the importance of the little things: Make sure you feel comfortable in your clothes (heels and snow were a no go for this Californian), have eaten something and gotten plenty of sleep, and maybe listen to a few good pump-up tunes. Give yourself plenty of time to find the interview, too. Campuses can be confusing, and buses delayed. These all may sound minor, but they’ll help keep your mind (relatively) relaxed and focused on the important parts of the day. The weeks before, I also practiced saying out loud why this is a career I feel so passionate pursuing. It was all there in my head, but verbalizing it the first few times was definitely a bit awkward. Have fun!

-Caitlin Russell

Congratulations!  You’ve worked very hard and now you’re one step closer to your goal.  My advice is to take a deep breath and try to relax.  Everyone is warm, welcoming and kind, so it’s not hard to feel at ease with them.  Smile, ask questions, and remember that this is your opportunity to talk about all of the amazing things you’ve done so far, especially the things that may not have fit well on your résumé!

-Meghan Cunningham

You are clearly impressive enough to secure an interview, so the next step is seeing if you and the program are a good fit.  On paper, you’ve met the requirements, so now is the time to stop stressing about that low(er) organic chemistry grade and really focus on why you want to be a genetic counselor and how that aligns with the program’s values.  Being able to communicate your unique motivation for pursuing a master’s in genetic counseling is vital to any interview. Being able to speak to how your personal and career goals align with the vision of the program will set you apart from other applicants.  UPitt stresses the importance of making sure the program is a fit for you-- this is not a line.  All programs are demanding in their own way and asking questions to ensure that you can commit to their standards will save you from choosing an experience that won’t serve you or the program.  In the same vein, answer questions honestly.  Just like any other interview, giving an answer you think you are expected to give will often come across as disingenuous.  (Remember these are counselors who can pick up those subtle cues!)  Maybe less obvious, but enjoy getting to know the other applicants.  You may see them at other interviews; and I know that several women in our class actually forged friendships during the whole interview process.  If nothing else it can help calm the nerves seeing that other people are in the same boat as you!

-Kelsey Bohnert

It is important to make sure that you are not only prepared for your interview, but also that you are prepared to get your own questions answered and investigate the campus and city!  Knowing your strengths and weaknesses, being prepared for case simulation questions, and being able to explain how you know you want to be a genetic counselor are all important components of arriving prepared.  I would also suggest that you look into opportunities specific to the University of Pittsburgh so that you can ask for more details when speaking with faculty and students.  This both gives you a better understanding of the program and shows your interest to those with whom you speak.  Explore the city if you have the time--it will help you envision being here.  Definitely try to enjoy the experience!

-Sarah Brunker

Class of 2019

Deciding on the Dual Degree

While preparing for my genetic counseling graduate work, one of my favorite experiences was working with a local organization, Jewish Young Professionals, to set up a night that focused on genetics. We arranged for a certified genetic counselor to speak with a group of approximately 20 individuals aged 20-40, about a variety of genetic issues that might be important for them to know at different stages of life. Activities like this, while not always an everyday part of a genetic counselor's professional life, are important to providing basic education to the community and can be valuable in increasing awareness of relevant genetic issues. While I love individual interactions, and look forward to clinical genetic counseling, I also feel that it is important to think about the impact of genetics on population health (for example, what population screening measures are appropriate and why). Given this perspective, the addition of the MPH degree in Public Health Genetics just made sense.

        I didn't always know I wanted to be a genetic counselor. I didn't even know what genetic counseling was until a few years ago but experiences like the aforementioned one helped solidify my interest in getting involved in healthcare, specifically genetic counseling. I started the process of applying to genetic counseling training programs and continued to be passionate about people and their health. When I got into the genetic counseling program of my dreams, the option of entering the dual degree program (MS in Genetic Counseling/MPH in Public Health Genetics) seemed intriguing. I started to ask a number of questions: Was it right for me? I already had a different graduate degree, in a field I wasn't in, so what could the addition of an MPH do for me?  

        When considering the dual degree, I knew that I could see the benefit, but was it enough when weighed against the cost and time commitment? To be honest, I spent a good deal of time pondering practical issues.  I thought about what the addition of another degree could provide.  Maybe it could help me when I apply for jobs.  Maybe it would give me a bargaining chip for a slightly better salary.  While this information is important to keep in mind, it missed the larger picture of the relevancy of a dual degree to genetic counseling education and practice.  I had great conversations with the program directors as well as the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh, who helped focus my internal reflections.  I also had an informative discussion with an alumnus who graduated from the dual degree program and an alumnus who did not get the dual degree but who has recently started an educational program in public health.  They both shared with me how their clinical practice has been influenced by their public health education.

University of Pittsburgh Public Health

As a result of all these conversations and considerations, when I thought of my future as a genetic counselor, it became clear that I wanted the education as a public health professional to inform my work as a genetics professional within the larger context of our current healthcare system.
Much of genetic counseling work is intertwined with public health, and at times, it can be hard to separate the two. Some experience in public health is intrinsic to the University of Pittsburgh genetic counseling experience, but it became clear that the addition of the dual degree would help me better understand and reframe some of the debates we are currently having about genetics in a new and helpful way. The increased depth and breadth of experience provided by the MPH would also help me improve my ability to communicate with and care for patients in the clinical setting. For these reasons, I started my first dual degree class this semester.

-Natasha Robin Berman

Class of 2019

Winter Activities in Pittsburgh

Our winter break coincided with a bit of a cold snap, but that can’t stop the fun here in Pittsburgh. It has something for everyone over the winter:

Phipps Conservatory likes to decorated with brightly colored
lights during the winter months.

-        Looking to burn some calories? Hike in Frick Park (sure its cold but that didn’t stop us!).  Frick is the largest of the historic parks and covers 644 acres and provides individuals with the ability to use sustainable recreational trails in the middle of the city of Pittsburgh.  Those interested in birding have been able to identify over 100 different bird species, and those interested in learning about nature can check out the new Environmental Center.

-        Looking for a light display? Phipps Conservatory has a fantastic winter flower and light show from the end of November through the first week of January. The displays include both indoor and outdoor experiences, with a little bit of education for those amateur botanists.

-        Want to plan an indoor group activity? Check out the Arsenal Bowling Alley, which offers old school vibes and lots of fun bowling at a reasonable price. Or, if you’re in a more adventurous mood, you can try axe throwing at LumberJaxes.

A view onto the winter streets of Pitt's campus from inside a
Nationality Room in the Cathedral of Learning.

-        Want to kick back and relax? Take in a movie at Squirrel Hill’s Manor Theatre.  Manor Theatre is one of the oldest theaters in Pittsburgh, this landmark has been entertaining locals for 90 years.

-        Like old churches? St. Anthony’s Chapel is a Catholic church that was established in 1880 by Fr. Suitbert Mollinger. This chapel houses the largest collection of religious relics outside of the Vatican, coming in at a grand total of 5,000 relics!

-        Maybe the many trails of Frick Park have been discovered and you’re looking for a new outdoor adventure?  Try the Schenley Park, which has 456 acres and holds the Phipps Conservatory. It also can accommodate those who have been inspired by the winter games and want to work on their ice skating.

Pitt faculty and students on a Heinz History Museum tour.

-        In the mood to see some cute penguins? The penguins are on parade at the Pittsburgh Zoo throughout the winter months. Visitors can come watch the penguins play in the snow and run around just outside of the PPG aquarium! It will be sure to brighten anyone’s day.

-        Love the outdoors and fireworks?  Every year Pittsburgh celebrates Light Up Night which includes a tree lighting and fireworks.

-        Ready to learn something new or see something incredible? On those frostbite-inducing days, you can still get out of the house and go to one of the many museums located throughout Pittsburgh. Some attractions include the many Carnegie museums, the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Andy Warhol Museum. There’s also the Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum, which only opens during the winter season.

-        Haven’t made it to the Cathedral yet? The Cathedral of Learning is dressed up for the holidays, making it the perfect time to go see the Nationality Rooms.  Thirty different classrooms represent different groups that all settled in Allegheny county. Not to mention, you can still get a great view from the top!

Some of the artwork displayed at Randyland.

-        Want the enjoyment of seeing others on the ice? Check out a Pittsburgh Penguins game! Pittsburgh is proud to be home of the 2016 & 2017 Stanley Cup winners!

-        Want an athletic event, not on ice? A Steelers game might be up your alley.

-        Just looking for a place to warm up? There are many tea and coffee houses more than happy to support a student just looking for somewhere to read. Or check out Pittsburgh Glass Center, a teaching and art gallery that has live demonstrations of artists creating amazing glass works. The fires keep you both warm and entertained. They even offer classes from beginner to expert so you can make your own glass creation!

Genetic Counseling Volunteers

The University of Pittsburgh Genetic Counseling Students Volunteer:

The University of Pittsburgh Genetic Counseling students were offered the opportunity to spend a day providing childcare at the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Regional Roundtable meeting.  This event was organized as a collaborative effort between the Pittsburgh Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and the Parent Project, so that families affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) could participate in a research roundtable. While the students spent time with children affected by Muscular Dystrophy and their siblings, their parents were able to engage with clinicians and researchers in order to learn more about DMD.  The following students reflect on their experience:

Having the opportunity to spend an entire day with children with DMD and their siblings was definitely a memorable experience! We were really able to have the chance to see that these children are still: playing the same games, having fun, and goofing around, just like other children their age. It was especially interesting to see the interactions of the siblings that attended. Even though they were older, they were always aware of the younger children around them, and were constantly working to include everyone in their activities. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to work (and play!) with these children! 

-Samantha 

It was great to be able to spend some quality time with kids with DMD and their siblings.  We got the opportunity to find out about the support systems in place for families, and see them in action.  I enjoyed learning about each of the families, and I also got to hear about summer camp (which I’ve been assured is the greatest place on earth).  I also know quite a bit more about Batman!

 -Natasha

I had a blast volunteering at the DMD roundtable event and having the opportunity to spend time with children and families affected by DMD. Terri Ellsworth and the entire DMD community made us feel welcome and expressed appreciation for our help. The kids’ ages ranged from 4 years old to 17 years old, and I had to work extra hard to keep up with them all day long. We did so many activities, including coloring, playing Batman, and blowing up balloons. They were some of the most inquisitive, fun-loving, and exploratory children I have ever met!

-Rebecca

I had a great time playing with the kids with DMD and their siblings. We played all the classic games for kids - superheros, balloon volleyball, and drawing. I enjoyed interacting with the kids for who they are - kids who love to play and have fun.
-Megan H

It was an awesome experience to volunteer at the DMD roundtable event and to get to know the kids with DMD and their siblings. We got to play a variety of games together such as hide-and-seek, balloon volleyball, and battleship. This was a wonderful way for us to connect with the kids individually and as a group. I enjoyed seeing how they supported one another regardless of age or familiarity.

-Alyssa

Genetic Counseling Assistant Experience at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

A picture of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

I currently work as a Genetic Counselor Assistant (GCA) in the Medical Genetics Department at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. I was hired in July, and having the opportunity to work part-time at Children’s while attending Pitt is a dream come true. I have always loved working with children, and directly helping the genetic counselors with their various day-to-day tasks gives me insight into the many roles and responsibilities of pediatric genetic counselors. As a GCA, some responsibilities I have include writing letters of medical necessity, contacting insurance companies regarding genetic testing, filling out test requisitions, and doing some preliminary prep work for patients who will be seen in the next week. Recently, I have started calling new patients to give them about a genetic counseling appointment, to ensure they know what to expect when they arrive at the hospital.

One thing that is exciting to see as both a genetic counseling student and a GCA is the rapid growth in the field. In addition to hiring me as a part-time GCA this summer, Children’s hired two other GCAs with whom I have the privilege of working. Also, four genetic counselors have been hired since I started my position (doubling the number of genetic counselors in the Medical Genetics Department!), and there is still a need for more. As an emerging professional in this field, having the chance to work with genetic counselors with wide ranges of experience, from recent graduates to experienced genetic counselors, has been an incredible learning opportunity.

Working as a GCA allows students to integrate
class and clinical knowledge while getting paid.

Although balancing work and school can sometimes be difficult, most of the time the material I learn in class and my work position go hand-in-hand. I am fortunate to have days where I work in the morning and then attend class in the afternoon, where we discuss symptomology, conditions, or genetic testing that I had just seen in my work setting. Being a GCA in a pediatric setting facilitates this learning process, due to the wide range of disorders and genetic variants that children may have who are referred to Medical Genetics. In a similar fashion, being a GCA also allows me to synthesize material I learn in class and gives me the opportunity to apply it in a clinical setting. I expect that my work position will also ease my transition from graduate student to genetic counselor, since I will have had almost two years of experience doing many of the daily tasks that are expected of genetic counselors. Just after a few months, I have grown comfortable using the electronic medical record systems, working with other medical professionals, and calling patients and families. My experience thus far has begun to equip me with core skills of genetic counselors, including knowledge and interpersonal communication, which will be invaluable to my future career.

While I have learned a great deal about genetic counseling as a GCA, I would have to say a highlight of my job is the entire Medical Genetics Department staff. My supervisor fosters a supportive, open environment, and I feel everyone at the office is a work family. Everyone has a strong work ethic, and the genetic counselors are incredibly kind and generous with their knowledge. Yet, there is still fun on a daily basis, as well as an ample supply of office treats! Recently, the department has begun organizing monthly social events, including escape rooms and haunted houses, to promote staff bonding and friendship outside of the office. The compassion and camaraderie among the counselors, new and experienced, really makes me excited to come to work every day. I am grateful for the professional opportunity to be a GCA at Children’s, and I look forward to learning more and continuing to hone my skills as a graduate student and future genetic counselor.

-- Rebecca Clark, Class of 2019

Expanding Public Health Genetics

NYMAC's logo.

Last month, we had the opportunity to attend the NYMAC (New York Mid-Atlantic Consortium for Genetics and Newborn Screening Services) steering committee meeting in Washington D.C.

NYMAC is one of seven regional genetics networks in the nation and encompasses seven states: Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, as well as the District of Columbia. These regional genetic networks were established to increase awareness, knowledge, and access of genetic services. Historically, NYMAC has focused on assessing and improving newborn screening in the region’s states as well as other genetic initiatives.

The steering committee meeting focused on NYMAC’s projects for the new grant cycle, which started May of this year. The five main goals of this grant cycle include education, access, telegenetics, quality improvement, and newborn screening. Being new to the organization, it was a great opportunity to see first hand how an organization designs and implements projects.

We covered decision-making plans for metrics and deliverables, discussed how best to implement new technologies, and brainstormed educational priorities for health care providers and patients. There was no better way to get informed, get involved, and get to know our collaborators than to be at the steering committee meeting. Other attendees included a newborn screening nurse, two representatives of different parent-to-parent organizations, medical geneticists, several telehealth consultants, members from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the National Coordinating Center (NCC) for the Regional Genetics Networks, project managers and proposal coordinators, as well as several other professionals. We had the opportunity to speak with leaders in the field, to learn information we didn’t know we didn’t know (such as how to address state licensure issues in telecounseling), and also to contribute our unique perspective to the dialogue around us.

Some of our Pitt Graduate Student workers are helping
NYMAC establish a public health genetics hotline.

As student workers for NYMAC, our primary project is to establish a toll-free phone line that will serve to assist medically under served populations in finding genetic services. We will provide them with a list of clinics in their area and the average wait time for an appointment at these clinics. We will also make appropriate referrals to other outreach organizations if callers have specific questions about a genetic syndrome or if they want to be connected to other families for support. To prepare, we will be updating information on available genetics clinics and outreach sites. We will also be developing lists of “genetic red flags,” or symptoms that should elicit medical attention, organized by age to be used as a reference for both health professionals and patients.

Attending the NYMAC steering committee meeting was a great professional experience for us as current students in the dual degree program (MS in Genetic Counseling and MPH in Public Health Genetics). We are both enthusiastic to help establish the phone line, work with this team of leaders, and to improve the access of genetic services to under served populations in our region.

-- Sarah Brunker, Class of 2019

-- Claire Leifeste, Class of 2018