Careers in Medical Genetics: An Informational Session for Students and Trainees

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Katie Goldengrant, a genetic counselor in Seattle, discusses the career path of genetic counseling. She explains that genetic counseling involves helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. The three main pillars of genetic counseling include interpreting family and medical histories, providing education on inheritance and testing options, and offering counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation. Genetic counselors typically have a master's degree in genetic counseling or human genetics, and they are certified and licensed. They primarily work in hospitals, but also in commercial labs, private practice, government organizations, telegenetics companies, and biotech or pharmaceutical companies. Genetic counselors generally report job satisfaction, and there is anticipated job growth in the field due to the increasing implementation of genetics in healthcare. Goldengrant shares her own career path, which includes working in a cryobank, a genetics clinic, a children's hospital, and currently as a genetic counselor for an Undiagnosed Diseases Network. She emphasizes the sense of community, continuous learning, and professional growth in the field. Goldengrant encourages interested individuals to explore the resources available and reach out for further information.

Asset Subtitle

Kathryn Golden-Grant, MS, CGC, University of Washington School of Medicine

Keywords

genetic counseling

career path

medical implications

inheritance and testing options

job growth