tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20947798384732174182024-02-19T01:57:24.215-05:00UC Genetic Counseling ProgramThe Official Blog of the University of Cincinnati Genetic Counseling ProgramUC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-7598644321983124532023-02-06T12:12:00.000-05:002023-02-06T12:12:35.813-05:00Winter 2023 Newsletter<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1lpHxKXNEv22SKTPxGubURQi5B5VhjOUaTwT2zUAhyo09VceQ-Iq5JnEJH2QeduQFIAnPKrsSOA8sWi2y3PTlEFwMH1csqRYeD7e5zENQ6dYwN83xqxr0fmQALiQIY-XUKhHH2GYLGR0BIw8AdQuzKazIJY7lGwsG1XNKXmRN-k6c0MbNfHRuPzt/s792/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1lpHxKXNEv22SKTPxGubURQi5B5VhjOUaTwT2zUAhyo09VceQ-Iq5JnEJH2QeduQFIAnPKrsSOA8sWi2y3PTlEFwMH1csqRYeD7e5zENQ6dYwN83xqxr0fmQALiQIY-XUKhHH2GYLGR0BIw8AdQuzKazIJY7lGwsG1XNKXmRN-k6c0MbNfHRuPzt/s16000/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_001.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHX4ScToSe1LmIRVju-38vB9uydL9iB6D7U3HmZJqShGz5JhuWfyIM5Z0gaE-1GoBZcmgst4HdtbeZSvBQeMsckAlCqoyOr-efKXJXvMqi-paOY9WpBUfrFxza4K5m5KyPvVc5UWp06SeMM_bhJWI3e14kkbWDQHg6v6hOsd4KqX9j7lSS5NiRhFA/s792/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_002.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHX4ScToSe1LmIRVju-38vB9uydL9iB6D7U3HmZJqShGz5JhuWfyIM5Z0gaE-1GoBZcmgst4HdtbeZSvBQeMsckAlCqoyOr-efKXJXvMqi-paOY9WpBUfrFxza4K5m5KyPvVc5UWp06SeMM_bhJWI3e14kkbWDQHg6v6hOsd4KqX9j7lSS5NiRhFA/s16000/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_002.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyL3wNlLjeP84ZfKmFu3ETiaUWSh2sG5bqrnxFB7iVTn0ryIih-trDME79s7BOCUPQSaWI0ybZ20wXd--A57ZK8rSEBtkmD9TUUqXFwPYxpi_cGPjc1OcY2h6Wpzi-3KBrJiQMtMjiWoJsOuhfeRb5iWsaeNfYidKpMKkY_xwfBkFCkhhrmWIKOpr/s792/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_003.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyL3wNlLjeP84ZfKmFu3ETiaUWSh2sG5bqrnxFB7iVTn0ryIih-trDME79s7BOCUPQSaWI0ybZ20wXd--A57ZK8rSEBtkmD9TUUqXFwPYxpi_cGPjc1OcY2h6Wpzi-3KBrJiQMtMjiWoJsOuhfeRb5iWsaeNfYidKpMKkY_xwfBkFCkhhrmWIKOpr/s16000/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_003.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ucgeneticcounseling.blogspot.com/2022/07/winter-2022-newsletter.html__;!!N6YHze6lT7thMl0!Mo8IFxlRimQYYNw5sDkuKW_Z6rvEVTT-GymYqwuje_-UnUuT1BPQXnadrV0C9h_0bY4puMtNXDwHGYhhtQu6tuehBTZi$" target="_blank">Newsletter with article on the history of the GCGP</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.cincinnati.com/obituaries/cen218511" target="_blank">Dr. Huether's Obituary</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/xjizdws7" target="_blank">Tributes to Dr. Huether</a></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVCeiGqA7GF2qF8lPU87_fvonlZUzkTe2ZHJvu_LAzhDwPpUEwQz9Pq-vDvsNclYv_X8ZetqDyqhZ48vezywbBJV0ZKFJojKWvanXILCR9X9-U0lN7cyvrAZoYiH42f1HMJsaHXfbf-evm0PcUFSLugP0SQIQO6p-bj9toDpkI3AJGiJaO4HlnaAm/s792/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_004.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVCeiGqA7GF2qF8lPU87_fvonlZUzkTe2ZHJvu_LAzhDwPpUEwQz9Pq-vDvsNclYv_X8ZetqDyqhZ48vezywbBJV0ZKFJojKWvanXILCR9X9-U0lN7cyvrAZoYiH42f1HMJsaHXfbf-evm0PcUFSLugP0SQIQO6p-bj9toDpkI3AJGiJaO4HlnaAm/s16000/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_004.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1k0FBTVkDDsXGhTIxgfE6Gqe7q2Y8kHK-nMNbdFf7yo_-2IhHjF_jgnYtxFmCWuk7Bj0Ht5D91-2cIVWCBAkioMhTUhRosPdbBQcIZJH96H5hAhU-o-V75EHNiXqFfeIUlLuuSGNBalTJocpxYYEFXbght16Rl0TrdS5fCZLeD0Hq9U6RBgwhTMJ/s792/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_005.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1k0FBTVkDDsXGhTIxgfE6Gqe7q2Y8kHK-nMNbdFf7yo_-2IhHjF_jgnYtxFmCWuk7Bj0Ht5D91-2cIVWCBAkioMhTUhRosPdbBQcIZJH96H5hAhU-o-V75EHNiXqFfeIUlLuuSGNBalTJocpxYYEFXbght16Rl0TrdS5fCZLeD0Hq9U6RBgwhTMJ/s16000/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_005.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJEv0jH-xJaAYZ7Uk_M6mfxTATiYaQL3RhBiE2Ih5tF6MEZemNXXX9jiUJbVLXZn-o5Xk-Td8QvYHa8oih9iYWHY0S9F3folIP0CO3fwAPqT6bO_tAwTdwVbNyyROU_6vuhHY83VwckcDV7o9IHgYJ2_Y2_OiY-pNYf8zFBZizCs1aocvHYb1UMhR/s792/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_006.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJEv0jH-xJaAYZ7Uk_M6mfxTATiYaQL3RhBiE2Ih5tF6MEZemNXXX9jiUJbVLXZn-o5Xk-Td8QvYHa8oih9iYWHY0S9F3folIP0CO3fwAPqT6bO_tAwTdwVbNyyROU_6vuhHY83VwckcDV7o9IHgYJ2_Y2_OiY-pNYf8zFBZizCs1aocvHYb1UMhR/s16000/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_006.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZwsZdQ4-VeYSyjc3Q9xw4FY1g0g4806PI70JqDywYmP9sFgLpNb78vEjr4l5OVCnDNs4aZvG_p6FOXo2f8cd4_AJDAnKwzhgmmMXalppLmOob8EWVxlLEgyILBAkYaqwxt-eRgik8qzRdaJTE56hYYDXg7KZkFsUVu7DCeZH8M04wAj_bD9QQUXH/s792/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZwsZdQ4-VeYSyjc3Q9xw4FY1g0g4806PI70JqDywYmP9sFgLpNb78vEjr4l5OVCnDNs4aZvG_p6FOXo2f8cd4_AJDAnKwzhgmmMXalppLmOob8EWVxlLEgyILBAkYaqwxt-eRgik8qzRdaJTE56hYYDXg7KZkFsUVu7DCeZH8M04wAj_bD9QQUXH/s16000/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_007.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS6p_JWAHtUMtl0YZLD9VPcGrIXr7DWlRO5XlmuuWZ4skNpVRLfHlcWsL4WJhCAcQqZi8ZvMWflFsbyg-Gq6uEwMI9Pn2Fsiy02sXMCzBo7TUZQBFgNGm2kgN-u0GdI-fEyEWn1U3HEymqVjLkBNny4jrP0eq7I6dET9t_pk8AVr4I8vhNYHEYKHv/s792/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_008.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghS6p_JWAHtUMtl0YZLD9VPcGrIXr7DWlRO5XlmuuWZ4skNpVRLfHlcWsL4WJhCAcQqZi8ZvMWflFsbyg-Gq6uEwMI9Pn2Fsiy02sXMCzBo7TUZQBFgNGm2kgN-u0GdI-fEyEWn1U3HEymqVjLkBNny4jrP0eq7I6dET9t_pk8AVr4I8vhNYHEYKHv/s16000/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_008.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHT_deXwEvDDVqHdrbCauITKpcbESQjiOn_c7rbeVPxQribqU8qLrG_pBH6neY-EOwS6qn_I5xLjeaHw3bTDUt-nL4erFHFMbhWoOJGJIyiLozS9f2_exRkJfOIvaFO4uusXIUmt5iJuCEjU__VMS3XPnQVLr2mmMdFYeJkNge9YWmjAVjxsZaBKd9/s792/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_009.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHT_deXwEvDDVqHdrbCauITKpcbESQjiOn_c7rbeVPxQribqU8qLrG_pBH6neY-EOwS6qn_I5xLjeaHw3bTDUt-nL4erFHFMbhWoOJGJIyiLozS9f2_exRkJfOIvaFO4uusXIUmt5iJuCEjU__VMS3XPnQVLr2mmMdFYeJkNge9YWmjAVjxsZaBKd9/s16000/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_009.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nKqq6ZQHBD44wli0WvVDmilChyDcOdeuHd51Zt2OdBZs5ogak7oXV-ArOf37GLYWpXgm0eBEiDlwvKKu2z2Kk5Pnl4QpJR7rLVN6sxIYpAe8O31ZD8q-UE8W0OwAkk1F5TDvlm7ZuYBzGrDTBH3IHsdbQWlWRFb-484kAeMJkdSZJ7ALtfCClBrB/s792/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_010.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nKqq6ZQHBD44wli0WvVDmilChyDcOdeuHd51Zt2OdBZs5ogak7oXV-ArOf37GLYWpXgm0eBEiDlwvKKu2z2Kk5Pnl4QpJR7rLVN6sxIYpAe8O31ZD8q-UE8W0OwAkk1F5TDvlm7ZuYBzGrDTBH3IHsdbQWlWRFb-484kAeMJkdSZJ7ALtfCClBrB/s16000/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_010.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-H7AjtAVUMOQouav9Q6w5EhYohQv11JZbpI1J515kEDHQcXojOprLONfWV_aq-cwd-z9de4pqTPb9O17sWKNc9TKGLqE0ENbIxAxsVLnnGVzLEd2ulKzKsa635OSbDvavKNrgjh_WTSAfomOk3jyhBNdGJt1Sp6hHeZ99QQHOirTa2KiTsFUmNUE/s792/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_011.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-H7AjtAVUMOQouav9Q6w5EhYohQv11JZbpI1J515kEDHQcXojOprLONfWV_aq-cwd-z9de4pqTPb9O17sWKNc9TKGLqE0ENbIxAxsVLnnGVzLEd2ulKzKsa635OSbDvavKNrgjh_WTSAfomOk3jyhBNdGJt1Sp6hHeZ99QQHOirTa2KiTsFUmNUE/s16000/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_011.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmFwvHCldBrrSIw6AzfUo96vDKNUq8HTbnZug5DUmmdA0o4JF-ygC_hmCo4ShlUmi4Xonx64KM9kaRuhuwlaQekkzlYk4i3O1e1s4EAP3nkVkOaM4HYKH8Azz3VYLfLbKFtx1a2FMPadVC8rb6LacOPz9URXYAEUl-mIPYjUPt77dkLKILU2QpF9t/s792/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmFwvHCldBrrSIw6AzfUo96vDKNUq8HTbnZug5DUmmdA0o4JF-ygC_hmCo4ShlUmi4Xonx64KM9kaRuhuwlaQekkzlYk4i3O1e1s4EAP3nkVkOaM4HYKH8Azz3VYLfLbKFtx1a2FMPadVC8rb6LacOPz9URXYAEUl-mIPYjUPt77dkLKILU2QpF9t/s16000/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_012.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm95AKFW_CbVtU37LtIjhXKfSzH0iKUxiShtU6rHI2XiBIGV5m5Rie0omuIlzsy406M-aKlAdlP7NFteuuZoteDgLAAJIEhUEcG32wtU28a1CL6pJH_LCRlGWhNtDrdDYuPaBcRyjrQ-zEUPojN5YHAyg6yrgZqlGQ2mk6mYVf2tmRHNif0_M9_LiH/s792/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm95AKFW_CbVtU37LtIjhXKfSzH0iKUxiShtU6rHI2XiBIGV5m5Rie0omuIlzsy406M-aKlAdlP7NFteuuZoteDgLAAJIEhUEcG32wtU28a1CL6pJH_LCRlGWhNtDrdDYuPaBcRyjrQ-zEUPojN5YHAyg6yrgZqlGQ2mk6mYVf2tmRHNif0_M9_LiH/s16000/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_013.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://foundation.uc.edu/donate?id=9ae770f4-a284-4754-a15e-262829548169" target="_blank">Huether Endowment </a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyEHNBppUmDzZhnDlzBy-nGmlFw5_NDSqNkXzeH8ZWdS9PlxNK_PqwevBwE2QypsWhas_WBgiPnj2ZkJDJ2MU2s49tX7mT_rvKO6muSeiqm-WhXb70Gd61yN6WxtXGATuL1ghpu5oVwG3nKqD_K68xsAENdovPfCXt0oYbDnqhsfk-VlMGE-3pBrD/s792/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyEHNBppUmDzZhnDlzBy-nGmlFw5_NDSqNkXzeH8ZWdS9PlxNK_PqwevBwE2QypsWhas_WBgiPnj2ZkJDJ2MU2s49tX7mT_rvKO6muSeiqm-WhXb70Gd61yN6WxtXGATuL1ghpu5oVwG3nKqD_K68xsAENdovPfCXt0oYbDnqhsfk-VlMGE-3pBrD/s16000/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_014.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://abrcms.org/" target="_blank">ABRCMS Information</a></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvi6ctMyLQX7_KLUu7t3e4e9OD9ByvA9dbbWA1BOvsR9td5dqWwB0hlMsNFyY_KPiUXduA_m7NlXhf7KueMwi2YMEBtmghvFEzMKDmkJReAqcEmcK0AtQzlYmpkdG2Qp3mOTO3ceLomDcDSWm8gXhAoqxvL2gPAlj03Mh66bKIOYyS6r6Rni3lzJ4D/s792/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_015.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvi6ctMyLQX7_KLUu7t3e4e9OD9ByvA9dbbWA1BOvsR9td5dqWwB0hlMsNFyY_KPiUXduA_m7NlXhf7KueMwi2YMEBtmghvFEzMKDmkJReAqcEmcK0AtQzlYmpkdG2Qp3mOTO3ceLomDcDSWm8gXhAoqxvL2gPAlj03Mh66bKIOYyS6r6Rni3lzJ4D/s16000/2023%20Winter%20Newsletter_015.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/education/clinical/student-grad/genetic-counseling/online-ceu-courses" target="_blank">Online Course Information</a></span></div>UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-10245407269719246892022-09-21T15:24:00.004-04:002022-09-21T15:24:56.137-04:00Elective Rotation: Eye Genetics<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFPYMXm7hzhEtf_Xp2r_KYplBcCegc_TPtiqlxd0Ca_mmBfmCy7qEeUAeHAYnAgIqW_Ly5BRcjtMimtrvklMIm5Kbz-tcgduC-STLpeCPtXK-iY4qzUXyL6QDZ740jtFBNHxsE5U4bfSJ9370yNf8DMt1uMojoZEq76cfrBAJ-LS4yTEpn2zo7f7nH" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="5302" data-original-width="3346" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFPYMXm7hzhEtf_Xp2r_KYplBcCegc_TPtiqlxd0Ca_mmBfmCy7qEeUAeHAYnAgIqW_Ly5BRcjtMimtrvklMIm5Kbz-tcgduC-STLpeCPtXK-iY4qzUXyL6QDZ740jtFBNHxsE5U4bfSJ9370yNf8DMt1uMojoZEq76cfrBAJ-LS4yTEpn2zo7f7nH" width="151" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">When I was first applying to genetic counseling programs,
one of the things about Cincinnati’s program was the ability to do elective
rotations for special interests. Having worked in an ophthalmology practice
prior to GC school, I had already begun to wonder if there was such thing as
studying eye genetics.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">It turns out, all I needed to do was ask. When I expressed
interest, I was immediately put into contact with some very enthusiastic
supervisors. Diana Brightman, PhD, MS, CGC is our resident eye GC, and Dr.
Ginny Utz is a pediatric ophthalmologist with specialized knowledge in eye
genetics. Between the two of them, I was afforded some really wonderful
opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Firstly, I observed or participated in all the eye genetics
clinics that I could. Prepping for cases became twice as interesting, and
because I was seeing both the ophthalmology and genetics visits, I had the
privilege of seeing some patients more than once and understanding of the type
of multidisciplinary care that patients with low vision receive. Another
ophthalmologist at Cincinnati Children’s, Dr. Robert Sisk, is heavily involved
with patients undergoing gene therapy. Eye genetics is a growing subspecialty
because of increased interest in and viability for gene therapy, and I was able
to observe many patients at various stages of treatment. (And let me tell you,
it was a delight to hear so many of them report improvements in their vision!) Additionally,
I observed offsite at the Low Vision Clinic at Clovernook Center for the Blind
and Visually Impaired. Here, patients are evaluated for their everyday visual
needs and given access to adaptive technology and functional recommendations
for things like school, extracurricular activities, and driving. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">I also attended virtual events to understand current topics
in eye genetics. I attended the conference for the International Society for
Genetic Eye Diseases and Retinoblastoma (ISGEDR) and meetings by the NSGC
Ocular SIG, where I learned a little bit about a lot of different research
being conducted and listened to discussion on current clinical practice. It
truly is incredible how much work is being done in this very niche field. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lastly, I focused on creating resources and connecting with
the community outside of the medical setting. I made a patient resource for a
population of individuals that we see in our genetics clinics and volunteered
at Blind and Visually Impaired Tennis, which is one of many adaptive
extracurricular events that Clovernook organizes for the community. I am also
currently in the process of writing a chapter on breaking bad news in eye
genetics, which is going to be included in a medical textbook. One of the
biggest takeaways from my rotation is the psychosocial aspect of counseling
patients, who face many challenges when coping with major diagnoses. Common
concerns are coping with loss of vision and changes to lifestyle, and sometimes,
coping with the shock of life-threatening diagnoses that can partially manifest
with vision loss. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Working with this population of individuals and learning
from so many wonderful clinicians was one of the highlights of my time in grad
school and solidified my interest in staying in this subspecialty. Five weeks
did not seem like long enough, so at the time of writing, I will soon be
starting a position at the National Eye Institute in Washington D.C. as a
research genetic counselor, where I get to learn about all the eye stuff that I
could possibly want!</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">-Moriah Edwards, class of 2022</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-52678244941535078452022-07-07T09:28:00.000-04:002022-07-07T09:28:08.180-04:00Winter 2022 Newsletter<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-4ZIVe_7wva4TM09TmI70d2xjdYe9OjI4F-Z_JEcW3JKK_OLjKOKdLgd3g2sV37-Ivn9GHWK5IIk7o35YECM5tITlk7Ygp-pvQpRLIaz5NaxTxusI-41l254EXBMuAuvnV9P-vOw2jkN0UU0AMsfrb8kMAuiRLpO2NUOc8lwhoyECf23bWcDqz4g/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-4ZIVe_7wva4TM09TmI70d2xjdYe9OjI4F-Z_JEcW3JKK_OLjKOKdLgd3g2sV37-Ivn9GHWK5IIk7o35YECM5tITlk7Ygp-pvQpRLIaz5NaxTxusI-41l254EXBMuAuvnV9P-vOw2jkN0UU0AMsfrb8kMAuiRLpO2NUOc8lwhoyECf23bWcDqz4g/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_001.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedEDjDlleEsXZ330eP36iUa72SLypB0vivSfJ6T6NkeP-N-A9G2M80QRmzvL9l2ShLau9EZaHmK2gnNQTN9nqBpXhfgahLPF3Ht7a6PFCNylJNoQhrBP_6iPNqupv9PbhMK-HQOiturt3KSaAQaDbXUrEGLM0o8tSoVLEB5_hrhrxS917mJrQqsE_/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_002.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedEDjDlleEsXZ330eP36iUa72SLypB0vivSfJ6T6NkeP-N-A9G2M80QRmzvL9l2ShLau9EZaHmK2gnNQTN9nqBpXhfgahLPF3Ht7a6PFCNylJNoQhrBP_6iPNqupv9PbhMK-HQOiturt3KSaAQaDbXUrEGLM0o8tSoVLEB5_hrhrxS917mJrQqsE_/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_002.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL8c96Hov4_Gw2jESOK4QU8U87w8T_3huMjy_H8wxpGLbrR16P20NqmSiWc9bOIUjP3e9tXEjwQojvOaFB8ylVTJrMNAo14ZsxSZIZALsuoTWO97mReacjw9sTcNJGVQdkdCi-HjqeP9Sg-JBYO-_yp-lIB-9cawM4ws9-Jnjo57omhPkeHLbRxbt/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_003.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL8c96Hov4_Gw2jESOK4QU8U87w8T_3huMjy_H8wxpGLbrR16P20NqmSiWc9bOIUjP3e9tXEjwQojvOaFB8ylVTJrMNAo14ZsxSZIZALsuoTWO97mReacjw9sTcNJGVQdkdCi-HjqeP9Sg-JBYO-_yp-lIB-9cawM4ws9-Jnjo57omhPkeHLbRxbt/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_003.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitExK85hmGa5KJUyM7Ck_y__C3jOmgn6Hf2Znr3JFY73vPrVh-CaXXZvC7n0HsF3U9r_jSq69OoDoRHxKXn0IFEm4Y4R4YYReHLMF69Ye_7c7CuoUSE90AkF3Z-PwsG8sRjNCkgPQW2cDlpkhCIUqv_2W-6Q17at-0SNBTNPo2aXjyL4k33pK5HbgV/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_004.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitExK85hmGa5KJUyM7Ck_y__C3jOmgn6Hf2Znr3JFY73vPrVh-CaXXZvC7n0HsF3U9r_jSq69OoDoRHxKXn0IFEm4Y4R4YYReHLMF69Ye_7c7CuoUSE90AkF3Z-PwsG8sRjNCkgPQW2cDlpkhCIUqv_2W-6Q17at-0SNBTNPo2aXjyL4k33pK5HbgV/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_004.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4mOMcEQ_be3_fwUwj-v7N4tcELocNDPwLlXzTGZM19iu92bpGobKVo9qr3EFZ5mnkmzFoQU064Rgyf79IhSg2QsdmK5fGgARVmfef1Q76M1RAgvpX9waOjkjGbbapoACHKrWXeX6nl4S9bxeizTAUg51_WZa6AeukinXX19xwFcOv7cbV3xuEuqa/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_005.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4mOMcEQ_be3_fwUwj-v7N4tcELocNDPwLlXzTGZM19iu92bpGobKVo9qr3EFZ5mnkmzFoQU064Rgyf79IhSg2QsdmK5fGgARVmfef1Q76M1RAgvpX9waOjkjGbbapoACHKrWXeX6nl4S9bxeizTAUg51_WZa6AeukinXX19xwFcOv7cbV3xuEuqa/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_005.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqLW_FDPJE7CfZizPaWHMO9uYokUGsRQ2-_ALqqfGqJQ4Gp-QnREb3Ehs8FFXwIzDA8kNDLzNU2H_kK4_bqN_OOhmcns3qsRHs5GZMdjzt6TBuiC_vxVyRcYUbocJeb4engqp6qLaIs7YZZXe6V_mUGR077GT-8IRU4fiHw1ceeLrmogUNDcmf9BS/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_006.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqLW_FDPJE7CfZizPaWHMO9uYokUGsRQ2-_ALqqfGqJQ4Gp-QnREb3Ehs8FFXwIzDA8kNDLzNU2H_kK4_bqN_OOhmcns3qsRHs5GZMdjzt6TBuiC_vxVyRcYUbocJeb4engqp6qLaIs7YZZXe6V_mUGR077GT-8IRU4fiHw1ceeLrmogUNDcmf9BS/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_006.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1SpM5x1vtblUPjzy9p0lJkiewi2KcseMfcqYuwDbM-CQ1TBLV7UqH7d7ZDAYxPwdCU10OHe6ppSA9PoXy7F6-ZjQPIYVl3dRL1U_wzYxFUJqFvLrfpOEloKdRbKMYcuBUYicskCAYtkn03OWOgTLkjVuGwbJbi85ndASk-Ybwl6ZihVP7sRMTpwp/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_007.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1SpM5x1vtblUPjzy9p0lJkiewi2KcseMfcqYuwDbM-CQ1TBLV7UqH7d7ZDAYxPwdCU10OHe6ppSA9PoXy7F6-ZjQPIYVl3dRL1U_wzYxFUJqFvLrfpOEloKdRbKMYcuBUYicskCAYtkn03OWOgTLkjVuGwbJbi85ndASk-Ybwl6ZihVP7sRMTpwp/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_007.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjU5dswYA4vALq5RtHAzMbcKBiovT7M77iukomS0yWIAjppx_7dhy0JZOYzDwA4Wv5Br21mpYTAyQFu1V698swP92mQLsBi4EPlZ-KvVqrqxKnKdvOa6YZthc9PtU0twLzq6ilL2AMI-m7s-5vpGT037zhOxFNbmERj9qnEB6w4eBvwAaR-7VjSln/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_008.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjU5dswYA4vALq5RtHAzMbcKBiovT7M77iukomS0yWIAjppx_7dhy0JZOYzDwA4Wv5Br21mpYTAyQFu1V698swP92mQLsBi4EPlZ-KvVqrqxKnKdvOa6YZthc9PtU0twLzq6ilL2AMI-m7s-5vpGT037zhOxFNbmERj9qnEB6w4eBvwAaR-7VjSln/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_008.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75B7cDTZWrHaIB0ByHbvXyVnDMdyF3tbuYRPThfeYQmeiBkmdZYFYCbF-WNJ_R9IYwz3jV5QOwdDtoyoIANk5SHK5nX3cucPshwfjTrdvLKXsJtso-LXkYTKMyVzMtw-K75IKHB_n2fiq42LDW4LwEIwwiO3JhRDTfK_4dwYhnd15MpqKfDXTLh4v/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_009.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75B7cDTZWrHaIB0ByHbvXyVnDMdyF3tbuYRPThfeYQmeiBkmdZYFYCbF-WNJ_R9IYwz3jV5QOwdDtoyoIANk5SHK5nX3cucPshwfjTrdvLKXsJtso-LXkYTKMyVzMtw-K75IKHB_n2fiq42LDW4LwEIwwiO3JhRDTfK_4dwYhnd15MpqKfDXTLh4v/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_009.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwwy8NeqD4O6KFdnqIMW6hvH_-H5fZc9_2LRKxJTHw6wN5HFzqAHZWRPSyuZE8Ee5Yr3JOanj3JnBpSqRzXgu_eC-VG1XW64RGU1wDOPj1sjeZUGbQxcMwxD6GJMVl24RITRsw2d7QArJVtOnoxAC9TzZlUFQnBpxCM3vZl1jR1Ccj8jliPVbXSZX/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_010.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwwy8NeqD4O6KFdnqIMW6hvH_-H5fZc9_2LRKxJTHw6wN5HFzqAHZWRPSyuZE8Ee5Yr3JOanj3JnBpSqRzXgu_eC-VG1XW64RGU1wDOPj1sjeZUGbQxcMwxD6GJMVl24RITRsw2d7QArJVtOnoxAC9TzZlUFQnBpxCM3vZl1jR1Ccj8jliPVbXSZX/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_010.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-eEtrPgyFTsp8SBdbVzscTDWNn5QHPhqKFX1WjPRnlcmgFWncC4hihu7uR4geGoCAdcckPryKbYNhSuzQz3FyhHhrCslCBsc8L_75tqHTti03eyKqJQg8RY9Jf-751Tx1zBymzfMoecLGzKbFTnCzWqbeqFAJSYSqRfyh6ox5qUHiQOwoP3gtT75/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_011.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-eEtrPgyFTsp8SBdbVzscTDWNn5QHPhqKFX1WjPRnlcmgFWncC4hihu7uR4geGoCAdcckPryKbYNhSuzQz3FyhHhrCslCBsc8L_75tqHTti03eyKqJQg8RY9Jf-751Tx1zBymzfMoecLGzKbFTnCzWqbeqFAJSYSqRfyh6ox5qUHiQOwoP3gtT75/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_011.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebEx0Xt3x5K2XylUDUjiBFBVi74xUqOWuxjm8W0jTy0a4wWATiNiHQcW3RcUScak5Q0ozXcfa8Z6aVk-KimwhvZ576v_zaAGMWHV9MIz5PyUKjScsjRcETsVi7lDF6U_k-tlb6PAtgeBLcTVI3Mco7vCFpW_XbxyNri5pCJcAj-wxfIOOyN2iHtdX/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebEx0Xt3x5K2XylUDUjiBFBVi74xUqOWuxjm8W0jTy0a4wWATiNiHQcW3RcUScak5Q0ozXcfa8Z6aVk-KimwhvZ576v_zaAGMWHV9MIz5PyUKjScsjRcETsVi7lDF6U_k-tlb6PAtgeBLcTVI3Mco7vCFpW_XbxyNri5pCJcAj-wxfIOOyN2iHtdX/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_012.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbIuvmPT9V_XbndgFFrVn2peCUAZ6EIlXHU3lpm6J2gOSo9k4TRQ1yFvcWhQirImzIDf4Owebid9P4XTE1Yf1XGhwgbs57bPXNmf4oucSW1o7kr3j23Yx1HoiKxSPa7SNhSLmElUMd1x_GaPz7cKqqQS_IfUaCwfGcpzpkb6jX0iqShIQwI16kMXL/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbIuvmPT9V_XbndgFFrVn2peCUAZ6EIlXHU3lpm6J2gOSo9k4TRQ1yFvcWhQirImzIDf4Owebid9P4XTE1Yf1XGhwgbs57bPXNmf4oucSW1o7kr3j23Yx1HoiKxSPa7SNhSLmElUMd1x_GaPz7cKqqQS_IfUaCwfGcpzpkb6jX0iqShIQwI16kMXL/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_013.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJ9GfAtvWLT3CHE3v4zWEMgaXt83zAUNRLoqVcR6abXk9vjsHkgmRV4Z62T3CGEsGWq6fAm_2kD5FsRiDNLkVsVFWOP3cS8MF_HF4b6BaBVOsbXBFC7XvXGKRlfM2qKtCctBFa475IA868Jiy9DX9WXmUDgWHU9ifnj-j98zOO39CDagcQJFaIn2r/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJ9GfAtvWLT3CHE3v4zWEMgaXt83zAUNRLoqVcR6abXk9vjsHkgmRV4Z62T3CGEsGWq6fAm_2kD5FsRiDNLkVsVFWOP3cS8MF_HF4b6BaBVOsbXBFC7XvXGKRlfM2qKtCctBFa475IA868Jiy9DX9WXmUDgWHU9ifnj-j98zOO39CDagcQJFaIn2r/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_014.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtj-62JQEyK9GyUcI-CM1kWtDZtQAkxj-9Og0QTjnDJVfbaCAeAfiFu_lwLj90WD4rXpbNLaUiJ3x50-7PjznD1Aq9o6AuUwn2thyfNd2tzYxY6O6wMHJyNZrcYjaoDlVO2NvIFKZoS6H29yeZlBEgpChKuwWOZFQuUvi55VmETZlcGokkGs3J5RS/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_015.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtj-62JQEyK9GyUcI-CM1kWtDZtQAkxj-9Og0QTjnDJVfbaCAeAfiFu_lwLj90WD4rXpbNLaUiJ3x50-7PjznD1Aq9o6AuUwn2thyfNd2tzYxY6O6wMHJyNZrcYjaoDlVO2NvIFKZoS6H29yeZlBEgpChKuwWOZFQuUvi55VmETZlcGokkGs3J5RS/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_015.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7rMvfCw8An2ZCg9ujdj82s1Zr0WCWT91dzlG537vDApJmJs2_h-qUnUkQr3nOSbmCv0EF5-KUeXAmDVb0LKuorV5a1pd0sefYAJ3FNGkFJ9qGNXwMVsksY7jxc5dJvAl5nxfp8QyzAezYw67Em01kc6pOWKp4lJdPkPUdi3aosdo6ilZ4Gom_vrI/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_016.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7rMvfCw8An2ZCg9ujdj82s1Zr0WCWT91dzlG537vDApJmJs2_h-qUnUkQr3nOSbmCv0EF5-KUeXAmDVb0LKuorV5a1pd0sefYAJ3FNGkFJ9qGNXwMVsksY7jxc5dJvAl5nxfp8QyzAezYw67Em01kc6pOWKp4lJdPkPUdi3aosdo6ilZ4Gom_vrI/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_016.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6OdfARZ-mWeNPMVwWFzNMkiseLpTKetu7ZN_RF6M2MbK8yyd6bC31IPMuQPX3s6ur9y7wldr-Za4N0AcIs83j3Qp7r-RUxn_Ir-X0nNMFvFqzBUE9GOhfhSMSsn9z1u8b5j483uq6a6eUlgXUG3KrP9Q7Jc6L3TH-pAAIxXho25OSGC5rMHxMq5F/s842/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6OdfARZ-mWeNPMVwWFzNMkiseLpTKetu7ZN_RF6M2MbK8yyd6bC31IPMuQPX3s6ur9y7wldr-Za4N0AcIs83j3Qp7r-RUxn_Ir-X0nNMFvFqzBUE9GOhfhSMSsn9z1u8b5j483uq6a6eUlgXUG3KrP9Q7Jc6L3TH-pAAIxXho25OSGC5rMHxMq5F/s16000/GCGP%20Winter%2022%20Newsletter_017.png" /></a></div><br />UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-83915379457235259772022-06-01T15:26:00.005-04:002022-06-01T15:26:54.460-04:00Elective Rotation: Neurogenetics<div><span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjR3Ok5evL8gqYuE9F4ejl0-grcpdoHSChVVR-TobMMNJtLcGuiWPed3hvpXbYPT07Pj3RoFMYTnDmhMVteg020EUlmQylzqDJVE_nuGdRcJfPA9G0Zv5CWZ5co0hE7a9xxXx7kZO6prp2F4-3RKq26V08NBx0c9H41Ke5uYirz8JE3F1sX42r8ttF/s3536/Hannum_Headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3536" data-original-width="2652" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjR3Ok5evL8gqYuE9F4ejl0-grcpdoHSChVVR-TobMMNJtLcGuiWPed3hvpXbYPT07Pj3RoFMYTnDmhMVteg020EUlmQylzqDJVE_nuGdRcJfPA9G0Zv5CWZ5co0hE7a9xxXx7kZO6prp2F4-3RKq26V08NBx0c9H41Ke5uYirz8JE3F1sX42r8ttF/s320/Hannum_Headshot.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtney Hannum, class of 2022</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Choosing a genetic counseling graduate program is challenging. While the major components remain the same between programs, each offers unique opportunities. A defining factor in my decision-making process was the diverse clinical rotations offered to Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Graduate Program (GCGP) trainees. Not only do the rotations span across specialties and institutions, but students are also encouraged to create their own 5-week elective rotation experience. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Prior to my time at the Cincinnati GCGP, I found a passion for neurogenetics. For this reason, I knew I was interested in exploring the genetic counseling profession as it relates to neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions. I felt that the best way to experience a wide variety of neuro-related indications was through creating my own elective neurogenetic rotation. Fortunately, I was met with great support and excitement from my program faculty, genetic counselors, and neurologists. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The process for designing my rotation began with outlining my goals and relating the plans to the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) competencies. I decided that my primary goals were as follows: </span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">To gain exposure to a wide variety of clinical presentations relating to the field of neurogenetics. Specifically, to encounter patients with epilepsy, neurometabolic conditions, and neurodevelopmental disabilities.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">To increase my understanding of and to practice counseling on common psychosocial issues faced by families who have children with neurogenetic conditions.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">To spend time shadowing neurologists/physicians to increase my knowledge of both the diagnostic process and necessary follow-up.</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">To complete this rotation, I was paired with a pediatric genetic counselor to be my supervisor. I was responsible for creating my schedule each week and reaching out to the providers I planned to work with. Each week I spent 2 full days on clinical responsibilities. Throughout my experience, I counseled children with various neurodevelopmental indications in a GC only clinic and shadowed providers in epilepsy, neurosurgery, neurometabolic and movement disorder clinics. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">My most memorable experience was observing within the neurosurgery clinic. Here, I was able to witness how various surgical options, along with the benefits and limitations, are presented to families. I was not previously aware of some of the options, such as a functional hemispherotomy. This is a surgery where one hemisphere of the brain is completely disconnected in order to isolate abnormal brain activity and prevent seizures. Unfortunately, (and unsurprisingly) such surgeries come with great risks that caregivers must weigh on behalf of the child. The opportunity to observe these conversations provided me with valuable insight into the psychosocial needs of children with epilepsy and their families. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In addition to being a genetic counseling trainee, I am also a Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) trainee. One overarching goal of LEND is to appreciate and promote interdisciplinary healthcare. I felt that this elective rotation really allowed me to dive into interdisciplinary care. I was able to practice communicating with a variety of different providers, learn about the roles of those providers, and advocate for the genetic counseling profession. The feedback received from other providers was very positive. So much so, that this will hopefully become a standing rotation option for future GC students. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I am grateful for the unique learning opportunities afforded to me by the Cincinnati GCGP. I look forward to starting my position as a clinical genetic counselor at the Christ Hospital here in Cincinnati, as I hope to supervise future trainees.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">- Courtney L. Hannum, Class of 2022</span></div><div><br /></div>UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-87050257607059150542020-06-08T11:51:00.000-04:002020-06-08T11:51:07.149-04:00The Choice – A somewhat lengthy letter from an exhausted Black person<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKnA7Ub5na2860NDFqysE_PhIQlJDIBuTl24Ttw563G1OTsWwGCPu-KDP1GQrQvCC0xc3howHbOrys24GELtn-pxLND4NXrn48vMUm0_OrIXqRgMvFAjloqrqqF4QFGb_PU8J9nMuT-4/s1600/vaz-baker-jazmine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKnA7Ub5na2860NDFqysE_PhIQlJDIBuTl24Ttw563G1OTsWwGCPu-KDP1GQrQvCC0xc3howHbOrys24GELtn-pxLND4NXrn48vMUm0_OrIXqRgMvFAjloqrqqF4QFGb_PU8J9nMuT-4/s1600/vaz-baker-jazmine.jpg" title="Jazmine Vaz-Baker, genetic counseling student, class of 2021" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jazmine Vaz-Baker, class of 2021</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been a rough month for the black community. Well every day is rough, but I think we have learned how to muscle up and shoulder on despite the challenges. But this month, this month has just been too much. This month we have had to deal with the death of Ahmed Aubrey, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd. We had to watch a woman fabricate a story about a black man “threatening her life” when all he did was ask her to put her dog on a leash. Then there was a story about a woman who drowned her 10-year-old autistic son and blamed it on two black men. And I am sure there are other recent stories I have not mentioned. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been a rough month.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have talked at nauseum about these topics with my black family and friends. I am so sick of talking. I am exhausted. The conversations always end the same way… What more can we do? Why do people not understand what is happening? Why do people continue to find ways to justify racism and discrimination? Why can’t black people be safe going about our daily lives? Why are we always targeted? Why is there a racial double standard? WHY? We have been asking these questions for centuries. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems like we have tried it all, both peaceful (remember Colin Kaepernick got blackballed for literally doing the very thing that the Minneapolis police officer did to Uncle George’s neck) and violent protest. We have tried marches, sit-ins, speeches, petitions, the list goes on and on. Nothing seems to be working. I feel as though black people are shouting their grievances out in the void. I feel like we are alone in this fight, fighting a war we did not create. Racism has somehow become our burden to bear – ALONE – and it sucks. Black people cannot fight this alone, we need help, we need genuine and active allies. <b><i>My question is, where are they?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know a lot of white/ non-black people. I have a lot of white/ non-black friends. <i>Yet when injustices occur is seems like I can consistently count on ONE HAND my white/non-black friends that speak out against injustice.</i> The rest are always eerily silent. Posting pictures of their dogs, significant others, cooking recipes, vacations, etc. but no words of outrage for black lives being lost. Is it that they do not know what to say? Is it that they prefer to keep their social media pages neutral? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or is it that they do not care? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are they afraid to speak out?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All these possibilities run through my mind when I step into the virtual spaces of social media and take stock of my friends’ silence. It is appalling and discouraging. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet these are the same people who always have such words of wisdom and insight during government, history, psychology, and health care class debates. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>We, and by we, I mean your so called “black friends” need your voices and support during this time. I need you to see Ahmed and George as my brother and my uncle and do more than just like a post and keep scrolling. I need you to weep and mourn with me. I need you to get angry with me. I need you to demand justice with me. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have spheres of influence in social spaces that I do not. I need you to do more than like a post about representation in politics and make textbook points about diversity. I need you to stand up to that racist uncle at Thanksgiving when he starts telling his yearly racist jokes. Inform him how his racist ideology is hurtful and hinders our country’s progression. Make him uncomfortable when he starts spewing out hate. That is how the small battles are won. No one is asking you to storm the KKK’s stronghold (10 OUT OF 10 - WOULD NOT RECOMMEND), but you are failing us when you stay silent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>We are simply asking you to really listen to our grievances, take them to heart, make and demand change where you can. If you do not know what to do or how to do it, ask for guidance. But staying silent is getting harder to accept.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have always found more comfort in expressing my most inner thoughts to paper than people, because paper does not judge, neglect, or put down the words written on them, it simply displays them for the reader to form their own interpretation. I often do not express thoughts like this to my peers or friends. As a black woman I occupy mostly white spaces. Since the 6th grade I have been 1 of 2, maybe 3, on a rarest of occasions 1 of 4 black/brown/POC in my class. Moving from a predominantly black elementary school, it was jarring at first, then I got used to it. Now it is my normal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember crying hysterically as a little girl when my dad got pulled over for driving in the HOV lane without a second passenger (I was too little; the officer could not see me in the back seat). I thought he was going to arrest my father. The police officer was embarrassed when my dad explained to him the reason for my tears. Maybe I watched too much of the show COPS as a child (the theme song is still the jam), but my fear was extremely real. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever cried when your father has been pulled over by the police?... *waiting for you to share your traumatizing cop experience* (my dad and I laugh about it now… we can laugh now… it was not funny to me then)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a group of young white men (who I did not know) call me the N word while I stood at the bus stop waiting for the school bus. I cried, I went to school, I went home. I moved on. I do not think I ever spoke of it, but I know I will never forget it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realize now that calling a black person the N word does not kill them (it wounds them deeply and should NEVER be used ever), but health care disparities, racial profiling, and police brutality does (just to name a few). These are the things we are fighting to change.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, I say that to say this, I often feel uncomfortable expressing my views on race within my social and academic spaces, because I have seen how it goes. You express sadness, anguish, and frustration at racial injustice, and they hit back with a “but racism doesn’t exist anymore” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“but slavery ended so long ago” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“things are so much better now” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Obama was president for 8 years (AND?! BRUH BE QUIET AND JUST STOP)” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“ALL LIVES MATTER” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“black lives matter is anti-cop (IT ISN’T BUT OKAY BECKY)” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“not everything is about race” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I’m colorblind”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“You’re not like the other black people OR I am not talking about you” (Lord have his mercy with this one)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“I have black friends, so I am not racist” (This one just takes the cake every time)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“maybe if he listened to the police…” The list goes on and on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>[IF YOU HAVE EVER SAID ANY OF THIS… PLEASE STOP!!!]</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And after they’re done explaining, disregarding your feelings as a black person, neglecting to recognize the struggle we face, and flat out not listening to a word you said, you have to wonder is this person really my friend?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Better yet, does this person understand me? Do they see that I am black? DO THEY SEE ME?! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a while, hearing this rhetoric from white/non-black peers and friends both from CHURCH…</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quick Side Note: [which hurts in ways I cannot explain…it’s disturbing to know that if a video of one of your black church members surfaced of some officer or man otherwise crushing their fragile neck, the most you can do is text their mother and father of a bible verse about peace and being “one race under God” or “we are all God’s children”. Remember your black church members can see your posts on Facebook and the like and you are disregarding our feelings. DO BETTER PLEASE!] </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">…and school, I learned to keep those opinions quiet. I just observe, I listen, I take note. A whole lot of people have black friends that they do not really understand. They will joke with them, ask them to “spill the tea, tell Felicia goodbye, and laugh about being an independent woman who does not need male companionship”, bop to the latest rap song with you (because some of them still think getting down to rap music gives them an in with the people), cry tears at 12 Years a Slave and turn around and look dead in your face and tell you…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“but slavery ended so long ago… I don’t understand why people are still racist” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*somewhere MLK rolls in his grave*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SIGH. As T-Pain once said…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“If you ain’t got it by now, you just ain’t getting it.” – “Kiss Kiss” by Chris Brown ft. T-Pain 2007. An iconic line if you ask me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I share my true opinions on race and how racial injustice really hurts me with a few trusted people outside of my family, because I do not want to be hurt. I do not want to be let down by friends I have come to know, share laughs with, and made memories with. Sometimes it is just easier to laugh about memes and vent about the stress of work or school, then to subject myself to hurt by exposing my friends’ while non-malicious, unhelpful ignorance towards deep race relations. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you know how hard it is to see another black person killed for no reason or witness someone call the cops on them for literally breathing oxygen outside their home, and then turn around and walk out into the world smiling and choosing joy?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To never have anyone ask, “hey, I saw everything that happened on the news this past weekend, are you okay?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don’t expect this of course, but every once in a blue moon, it would be nice to be seen for the black girl that I am, and that I am affected by seeing my brothers, fathers, uncles, friends, mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, etc. killed on TV like animals. It is painful to watch; it is painful to hear. It is heart wrenching to see people defend this evil behavior.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I must navigate spaces surrounded by people who do not look like me every day. While I do this I actively choose love, I choose joy, I choose forgiveness, I choose hope, I choose to see the good in people, I choose not to be angry, I choose not to blame descendants who are not responsible for their ancestors actions, I choose not to hate. I choose Jesus and his grace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I choose these things because the alternative leads us nowhere. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I choose these things because I believe change is possible. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Black people have been crying out for mercy, justice, and equality for centuries. We cannot </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fight this battle alone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Please understand your black friends are hurting. The pain is centuries old and unbearable. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am choosing to march forward to the vision the Dr. King so passionately talked about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You for so long have chosen silence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I implore you now to make a different choice. The choice to truly stand with us and speak out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jazmine – an exhausted black person</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">class of 2021</span>UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-52080665101843939332020-04-15T11:56:00.000-04:002020-04-15T11:56:06.956-04:00Graduate School and Graduation during the COVID-19 Crisis<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s 7:30 on a Tuesday. I hop off the shuttle from the parking garage and make my way to the E building. I’m feeling healthy today, so I take the stairs up to the 5th floor. I badge in and sit down at my desk to respond to a few emails before our 8:00 Advanced Genetic Counseling class.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJa1ZMHkq3fpRgj8RZLaZi3DE4OxPMfjAhZYvVfq0-Vlb3s9A93TXB4dfAjBazbrnlYCQvXxKrJM4Y-4aW17AY0jFJK9pm4PDLBbnyjwhjBibSY3uubZTNOAYl_h4GoWbuSpV86MeKHxg/s1600/Buh.Kelly.2020.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="600" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJa1ZMHkq3fpRgj8RZLaZi3DE4OxPMfjAhZYvVfq0-Vlb3s9A93TXB4dfAjBazbrnlYCQvXxKrJM4Y-4aW17AY0jFJK9pm4PDLBbnyjwhjBibSY3uubZTNOAYl_h4GoWbuSpV86MeKHxg/s320/Buh.Kelly.2020.png" title="Kelly Buh, genetic counseling student" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s 7:45. My classmate April walks in. In keeping with our daily routine, she asks if I want to make coffee with her. Of course I do! We grab our respective mugs and K-cups and shuffle over to the break room, catching up on each other’s evenings. Piping hot coffee in hand, we trickle in to our classroom along with our 10 other classmates. We each take our unofficially self-assigned seat around the table. We’re all chatting as though we haven’t seen each other in weeks. (We had class together 15 hours ago and then went to Monday night trivia at MadTree together). Joshua says something funny and/or very Canadian, we all laugh, and eventually Carrie gets started with class. Today’s topic is compassion fatigue and burnout in genetic counseling.</span></div>
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s 11:00. I’m heading back to my desk from a meeting with my clinical supervisor. We reviewed the plan for this afternoon’s patients and agreed to meet in clinic at 1:00. In the meantime, I make some revisions to my thesis and schedule a meeting with my research advisor for the following day.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s 2:30. Clinic is busy today!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s 5:45. I arrive home after a busy day. My dog greets me enthusiastically as I unclip my badge and take off my shoes. A few minutes later, I get a text from my classmate Chloe: “Burgers tonight?” Yes! I put my shoes right back on and head out the door.</span></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s 9:30. Dinner was fun! I’m exhausted, but I’m glad I went. I set my alarm and my head hits the pillow, ready to do it all again tomorrow.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">The COVID-19 crisis forced a transition from normal life to completely uncharted territory for everyone in a matter of days. We as a program had to quickly adapt to the many challenges that came with this unexpected transition to remote learning and social distancing.</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, the biggest challenge of being a genetic counseling student during the COVID-19 crisis has been dealing with my own feelings of loss and grief. As a second year student growing more and more eager to add that “MS” to my name, there was no world in which I ever anticipated a cancelled graduation. I could not wait to put on that cap and gown and celebrate all of my class’s accomplishments. I was so excited for my parents to see all of my hard work, meet my classmates and faculty, and enjoy some of my favorite places in Cincinnati with me. My classmates and I have been talking about ideas for our graduation reception for literally almost two years now. This was going to be the culmination of everything we’ve done on our journey to become genetic counselors. And it was just...cancelled. I knew it was coming. Everything else had been cancelled. Businesses were closed. We were ordered to stay in our homes. And yet, graduation was the one thing I was still holding on to. Maybe, just maybe, things would be normal again by April 30th. Up until that point, I had been bottling up all of my grief. Seeing the email pop up in my inbox with the subject line “Spring 2020 Commencement Postponed” was what finally broke me. I knew the university was making the right decision. “It’s not safe to hold a graduation ceremony right now,” I told myself. I sat on the couch and cried anyway.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the last two years, my classmates have also become some of my closest friends. As we started accepting jobs around the country throughout our final semester, I was already feeling particularly sentimental about making the most of our last few weeks together. We were going to go to brunch every weekend, go on tons of hikes as the weather got nicer, laugh our way through many wine-filled game nights, spend lazy days at my apartment pool, work separately but together at our desks on E5...and I was ready to cherish every last moment.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But we left for Spring Break and never came back. It has become increasingly clear that I may not see any of them again in person before I move to Chicago.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our entire program has been flipped completely upside down over the last few weeks. We have had to learn a completely new normal as everyone has been figuring out how to work from home. Technology issues have been frequent, classes and meetings have often been interrupted by partners/pets/kids, and yet, nobody seems to mind. We are all in this together, but apart. Despite the lack of in-person contact during the COVID-19 crisis, we as a program have really worked hard to maintain a sense of community. We hold weekly virtual lunches for everyone in the program to attend. Topics of conversation have included: quarantine baking, unique challenges we each face while working from home, and of course, Tiger King. This 45-minute get-together is something I look forward to every week because there’s something about just hearing and seeing everyone that makes me feel a little less isolated. Our second year class group chat continues to be very active, a constant stream of memes and pictures of our pets. We hold Skype game nights at least once a week and have managed to come up with an arsenal of phone-based games we can play together remotely. More often than not, several of us linger on Skype calls after class a little longer to keep chatting.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Classes, clinical rotations, and research have also required some major adaptations. All classes and thesis defenses were switched to remote. Instead of a triumphant thesis defense photo of me in a sharp blazer in front of my title slide, I’m now presenting from my bedroom with my dog barking in the background. In-person clinical rotations were cancelled, but these experiences were supplemented with an assignment related to our online Case Series as well as telemedicine role-plays with supervisors. My community education experience that got cancelled due to COVID-19 turned into this blog post. Program interviews, which have always been some of the most exciting days of spring semester, were made remote. I imagined how hard it must be for applicants this cycle, many of whom have been unable to visit campuses and meet faculty and current students in person. We typically host an informal meet-and-greet for interviewees and current students called Dessert Night the night before each interview day. I wanted to come up with some sort of remote alternative to give our remote interviewees that same opportunity, and so Bring Your Own Dessert Night was born! A virtual recognition ceremony for the Class of 2020 is in the works as well. We as a program have truly risen to the challenge and adapted to this entirely new normal in just a few short weeks, and I think that’s pretty remarkable. It’s not the same, but I do feel fortunate that we’re living in a world where we have these electronic resources to keep in touch and maintain a sense of community while we’re all stuck in our respective homes. And so, we’ll continue doing what we’re doing. We’ll keep rising to new challenges to adapt to these ever-changing and unprecedented times.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I never factored a global pandemic into my graduate school plans. We talk a lot about grief in the genetic counseling setting, and one of the types of grief that often comes up is a loss of normality. I never quite understood what this meant until now.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am safe and healthy. I have a roof over my head and plenty to eat. I have supportive friends and family that love me. I’m about to earn my Master’s degree!!!!!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have so much to be thankful for, and yet, I’m grieving. I’m grieving the loss of my normal and the loss of my plans. The coping process has not been linear, and some days have been harder than others. Despite the grief, I know that my training has prepared me to be a competent and confident genetic counselor, ready to take on the real world as soon as it re-opens. It has truly been an incredible two years, and I got to experience it all with some of the most amazing people I’ve ever known by my side (and/or by Skype).</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The finish line wasn’t what I expected, but I sure am lucky to have taken the journey.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kelly Buh</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Class of 2020</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-89515661294518304122019-03-12T14:41:00.000-04:002019-03-12T14:41:24.832-04:00Supporting Students with March Madness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xgSen-EQfFLJEhfLlvvAa3lcnTx-WxjkkJGjPCRPYmg8MkZnfqUYtIU5PB0B8AiMLOc2pDfd3AuncHO-x-MnME3GwbpgepgvAc5iCsedecuEbvFs5L8DIeoAeei-aklOPv5RV8vPB08/s1600/DNA+Basketball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="582" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xgSen-EQfFLJEhfLlvvAa3lcnTx-WxjkkJGjPCRPYmg8MkZnfqUYtIU5PB0B8AiMLOc2pDfd3AuncHO-x-MnME3GwbpgepgvAc5iCsedecuEbvFs5L8DIeoAeei-aklOPv5RV8vPB08/s200/DNA+Basketball.jpg" width="199" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Madness is upon us, and that means it's time to test your prognostication prowess in the most exciting tournament in sports! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Genetic Counseling Program is hosting an NCAA Men’s Basketball Bracket Challenge. </b></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>All proceeds benefit student scholarships. </i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's your chance to both support the education of future genetic counselors and test your hoops expertise in the ultimate tournament pool!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To pa</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">rticipate online, follow these instructions:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Create your bracket here: <a href="http://gcpmm.mayhem.cbssports.com/e/965c12d9f32d2021b88df895d5b78865?ttag=BPM19_cpy_invite_new" target="_blank">GCP March Madness Bracket</a></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You may need to create an account at this link before completing your bracket</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Make your tax-deductible donation here (or see below for other ways to donate): <a href="https://foundation.uc.edu/donate?id=9ae770f4-a284-4754-a15e-262829548169" target="_blank">Donation</a></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Complete your bracket once teams are announced on Selection Sunday (March 17th). Brackets must be completed before play begins on Thursday, March 21st.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Watch the madness unfold and cheer on your top picks!</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you prefer to donate in person, Alexandra Magnante or Preethi Pillai will be able to accept credit cards, checks, and cash beginning Wednesday, March 6th. Please email GCPMarchMadness@cchmc.org if you have any questions.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are suggesting a tax-deductible donation of $15 but certainly appreciate any amount you are willing to contribute. <b>Dr. and Mrs. Carl Huether are also currently offering a generous matching 3 to 1 gift so no amount is too small! </b>Please consider forwarding this email to anyone else you think might be interested in participating. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">THANK YOU!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">~UC Genetic Counseling Program</span></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-81362431374366949492019-01-18T11:20:00.000-05:002019-01-18T11:20:24.398-05:00Elective Rotation - Assisted Reproductive Technology<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1ku-QEgYLsK8Zf9qMfkh1l_t-RNs5lFWCf4dYRMF-d3fK0IBJjZ1WyiRE1pnSkP2WWZnW3wrdgaE6iftYnvIoBQPCcxSfAZJdrQOY7_GWGIEFVOqlxRWxVTl1qpSPV8nwOJUNuz7Myc/s1600/McGowan.Becky.2018.Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1ku-QEgYLsK8Zf9qMfkh1l_t-RNs5lFWCf4dYRMF-d3fK0IBJjZ1WyiRE1pnSkP2WWZnW3wrdgaE6iftYnvIoBQPCcxSfAZJdrQOY7_GWGIEFVOqlxRWxVTl1qpSPV8nwOJUNuz7Myc/s320/McGowan.Becky.2018.Photo.jpg" title="Becky McGowan Genetic Counseling Student" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becky McGowan, 2nd Year Student</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the opportunities afforded to
students in the UC genetic counseling program is the ability to select our own
summer rotations. Having an interest in
the area of infertility and preconception genetic counseling, I worked with the
program to find two unique rotation opportunities for the summer with genetic
counselors at embryo testing laboratories.
In each of these rotations I was able to learn about the types of
genetic tests available at the preconception stage, about effective methods for
telephone counseling, and about the specific challenges and emotional burdens
faced by the preconception patient population. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My first summer rotation was heavily
focused on preimplantation genetic testing for single-gene conditions, or PGT-M
(monogenic).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This test is available
largely to those who know that they have a personal or family history of a
condition such as Huntington’s disease, Fragile X, breast cancer, etc. with a
known familial mutation already established. Often individuals may not have a
family history, but are identified via carrier screening through their
fertility clinic as being at risk to have a child with one of the tested
genetic conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Couples choosing to
screen embryos via PGT-M are often seeking to stop the cycle of disease that
has been in their family, or may have lost a child or had a child with a severe
presentation and wish to use the technology available to choose to implant an
embryo that would not carry the genetic mutation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often couples who use PGT-M may not have
fertility concerns, but may be going through IVF specifically for this genetic
test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my second summer rotation I focused on
preimplantation genetic screening for aneuploidy, or PGT-A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This test screens embryos to see if there are
extra or missing chromosomes (aneuploidy).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Having extra or missing chromosomes is the greatest factor in embryo
implantation failure and early pregnancy loss. Performing this test increases
the chance of establishing a pregnancy during IVF, while also screening for
conditions such as Down syndrome, which typically is caused by an additional
copy of chromosome 21.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since the counseling was performed
remotely, I was able to experience a really diverse array of patient interactions.
I worked with patients all over the country as well as internationally. I was
able to work with same-sex couples, couples using surrogates or gamete
donation, single individuals, couples facing male-factor infertility,
female-factor infertility, or unexplained infertility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patients came to the genetic counseling
sessions with different goals and different past experiences on their journey
to conception. It was a tremendous opportunity to be a part of that process and
allow patients a space to ask questions about genetic testing options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Genetic counseling consultations for both
of these tests followed a similar structure to the in-person genetic counseling
sessions I have been involved in during my other rotations! We started by
contracting with the patients and asking what their hopes or goals were of the
testing, as well as what information they had coming into the session. In many
cases we took a pregnancy history, and for PGT-M cases, where other family
members had the condition, we generally took a pedigree and inquired about
relatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also reviewed the
available test reports and often contacted other laboratories or genetic
counselors regarding previous testing or if remaining DNA was available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The PGT-M cases involved designing a probe with
samples of DNA from two generations of family members to track markers that sit
above and below the gene of interest. We discussed residual risks, prenatal
testing options, and set expectations with patients by discussing the potential
outcomes of testing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In both rotations
we worked closely with the laboratory team to determine the best testing
approach for each patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also worked
on responding to physician inquiries regarding specific patient concerns or
testing questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my second rotation I also had the
opportunity to put together and deliver two presentations on another genetic
test, endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I spoke about counseling considerations involving this test to staff at a
fertility clinic, including nurses, physicians, and lab staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also presented on the test design and the
role of the genetic counselor in working with ERA patients for genetic
counselors in the special interest group for ART and infertility through the
National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These experiences allowed me to work on my public speaking skills and
educate other providers about the benefit of genetic testing and genetic
counseling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall, my summer rotations were a
phenomenal learning experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Industry
is a rising site for employment of genetic counselors, and it was a great
chance to experience work at a for-profit laboratory setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of my summer sites were heavily involved
in research and genetic counselors were encouraged to be involved in research
projects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great to see how genetic
counselors in these positions are able to move the field forward and improve
patient care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I became very comfortable
speaking with patients over the phone and being able to pick up on non-verbal
cues to guide psychosocial counseling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
often felt that patients were more comfortable being emotionally vulnerable
over the phone and in the comfort of their own familiar setting, as opposed to
in an unfamiliar clinic environment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was also very gratifying to be a part of the journey with women and couples who
were seeking to build their families. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> - Becky McGowan, Second Year Student</span></span></div>
<br />UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-84386008206192658622018-11-16T18:33:00.000-05:002018-11-16T18:33:59.256-05:00This Is What I Know. Now What Can We Do? – Racial Diversity in Genetic Counseling<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSWdY1zUF7anCdbGHM60WCTEeJiNow7cbPhfP0n5w34Dv_9ufyY8h_req0V3WiGBvQh7T13uh41KA2W7pC4vgOqhypXMhWEQEiFU8VrXP1M-1Lji5kOgfZRVhsUePOW9npuXazP99Fh0/s1600/Rivers.Bryana.2018pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="706" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSWdY1zUF7anCdbGHM60WCTEeJiNow7cbPhfP0n5w34Dv_9ufyY8h_req0V3WiGBvQh7T13uh41KA2W7pC4vgOqhypXMhWEQEiFU8VrXP1M-1Lji5kOgfZRVhsUePOW9npuXazP99Fh0/s320/Rivers.Bryana.2018pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryana Rivers, Cincinnati GC Student</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The lack of diversity in the field of genetic counseling is an issue that has been present since the start of the profession. However, very few studies have actually been done on the presence of underrepresented minorities (URMs) in the field. A 2008 study by Mittman and Downs about the past, present, and future of diversity in our field explains that, despite efforts to increase diversity, the field of genetic counseling is still composed of over 94% non-Hispanic, white genetic counselors. The article focused on underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities within the field, such as African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanic Americans, quoting these groups as comprising about 2 to 3% of the profession, but about 33% of the general population. That means that our presence in the field is vastly disproportionate to our presence in the general population.<br />
<br />
Increasing diversity in the field is important to allow individuals like me to have colleagues and mentors who look like me and so that our patients can have providers who look like them. As a black female entering the field of genetic counseling, I can only speak about my own experiences, which may not be the same for all genetic counselors who belong to a minority group. Nonetheless, I think that it’s important that I share my experiences and that others have the opportunity to share their experiences as well.<br />
<br />
One particular experience that stood out to me occurred during my summer rotation here at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. My patients were siblings, a black male and a black female, with diagnoses of developmental disabilities and hypotonia. They were accompanied by their mother and their maternal grandmother. Both children previously had extensive genetic testing, including panel testing, single gene testing, and microarrays, which were all either normal or had several variants of uncertain significance (VUSs). For social reasons, variant tracking in the family was not attainable. What we did know, was that one particular VUS of interest was presumed to be paternally inherited.<br />
<br />
Our patients’ mother was hoping to get some answers from us so that she could have a definitive diagnosis for her children. Without a diagnosis, she had been struggling to access the necessary resources they needed in school. Unfortunately, for this family, we could only communicate our suspicions of what was causing the developmental disability, but we could not give them a definitive cause, diagnosis, prognosis, or recurrence risk.<br />
<br />
At one point during the appointment, the mother had a question for my supervisor and me. She stated that she had an honest question, but that she was unsure of how to ask it without coming across as offensive. We encouraged her to ask the question anyway. She wanted to know if we, as black health care providers, have seen “other people who look like us” with the same variant found in her children. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to say. I deferred the question to my supervisor who explained that the variant found in her children has not been previously published or described in other patients. She then went on to explain that the mother brought up a great point about VUSs in black patients. Being that we are a less-studied group, VUSs are more commonly seen in minority populations than in white populations. The patients’ mother added that she felt that there are barriers to healthcare and genetic testing in minority populations that also contribute to the lack of data and knowledge of how certain genetic variants affect our health. Afterwards, she told my supervisor and me that we have a responsibility as black women to improve our knowledge of genetic variants in minority populations while making sure that they are not being taken advantage of by the individuals conducting the research.<br />
<br />
That was a loaded statement that I have reflected a lot on since I saw that family. In that moment I felt heartbroken for this woman who had worked so hard to obtain the best care for her children, but had so many doors closed in her face while trying to access the necessary resources. However, I also felt thankful that my supervisor and I were the ones who saw these patients because their mother was able to open up about questions she has been holding onto and challenges that she has been facing while advocating for her children.<br />
<br />
I cannot stress enough how important it is for patients to feel comfortable, to feel heard, and to know that they will not be ignored or discriminated against by their providers based on the color of their skin. I don’t want to suggest that a genetic counselor who wasn’t black wouldn’t have listened to her, but there are factors outside of what we do and say that can have an impact on our patients. Just the fact that she was able to lower her guard a bit because we share the same racial background as her speaks volumes.<br />
<br />
People like seeing themselves represented in their social and professional circles, including their healthcare providers. This is just one example of how increasing diversity in the field of genetic counseling can help our patients. But now the question is: Why have past efforts failed to improve diversity in the field, and what can we do to fix it?<br />
<br />
--Bryana Rivers, 2nd Year Genetic Counseling StudentUC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-35921361449174216392018-04-18T11:41:00.000-04:002018-04-18T11:41:06.904-04:00Qualified Bilingual Staff & Language Access Services<br />
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qZ9Z5YJQC9wc4JUhFu_EO5o5QWAmENbdKItvkymYxv2_ZKpLyk2wGiI3eFUi2uuXgiuXr-p_iTW8mBSPsSGNnUA7y_j7yIWuSuvcGDHUe1gSNY0-UgqaHYncgrhwkSqg3XhrdZuYt0U/s1600/QBS+Badge+Backer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="465" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qZ9Z5YJQC9wc4JUhFu_EO5o5QWAmENbdKItvkymYxv2_ZKpLyk2wGiI3eFUi2uuXgiuXr-p_iTW8mBSPsSGNnUA7y_j7yIWuSuvcGDHUe1gSNY0-UgqaHYncgrhwkSqg3XhrdZuYt0U/s320/QBS+Badge+Backer.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">QBS Badge Backer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Growing up, I spoke both English and Urdu – the native language of Pakistan, which is where my parents were from. I never considered my bilingual skills to be anything special until I started my time at the University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s Genetic Counseling Program. During our orientation week, a member of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s (CCHMC) Diversity and Inclusion department spoke with us about cultural competency. The presentation included information on Language Access Services, and a program called the “Qualified Bilingual Staff”. In CCHMC, if any staff/employees are bilingual, they can train through the hospital to be able to become a Qualified Bilingual Staff (QBS). A QBS member may</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Provide interpreting to, or speak directly with patients and their families at the hospital outside their appointments in the target language, and/or</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Provide interpreting to, or speak directly with patients and their families at the hospital during their medical appointments</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To become a QBS member, one must first take an assessment in their target language, which in my case was Urdu. Since Urdu is considered a rare language, I took my assessment over the phone rather than in person. The assessment tested my spoken skills in Urdu, progressively becoming more difficult till I could no longer answer the questions being asked. Based on the assessment scoring, one is assigned either a QBS Level I or QBS Level II. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Falling in the Level I range meant that you could provide interpreting to, or speak directly with patients and their families at the hospital outside their appointments, for example, if a patient is asking for directions in the hospital. Falling in the Level II range meant that you could provide interpreting to, and speak directly with patients and their families in the target language in their medical appointments. Fortunately, I was assigned to be Level II. An additional perk of being Level II is that you can get paid for providing interpreting for medical appointments! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before you can be recognized as a QBS member, you must first complete QBS training via CCHMC. I completed my training at the end of my first year in the genetic counseling program, right before I headed out of town to my summer rotation. Since returning to CCHMC for my second year, I have not provided any interpreting for medical appointments (by choice), but rather I have taken on a part time job with the Language Access Services department. At my job, I have worked to create a resource for interpreters whose target languages are rare, like mine. While there are plenty of resources available for interpreters of the more common languages such as Spanish and Arabic, there aren’t many training resources for interpreters who have rare target languages, such as Urdu. In creating this resource, I have also had the opportunity to shadow the CCHMC staff medical interpreters.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The experience of training as a QBS member, and working with Language Access Services has allowed me to appreciate the role of medical interpreters from the perspective of the interpreter. I realized how helpful this experience was when I myself counseled a patient with an Arabic medical interpreter present in the room. I found myself to be much more comfortable with the medical interpreter in the room, and it made the delivery of information to the client much more effective.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am grateful to have been a part of an institution that has a well-developed Language Access Services department, and provides services every day to numerous patients and families with limited English proficiency. I am passionate about continuing to grow in my cultural competency, and my work with the Language Access Services has helped contribute to that by allowing me to better appreciate the intertwining nature of language and culture.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fatima Amir, Class of 2018</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-83889741292540459432017-12-07T12:08:00.000-05:002017-12-07T12:08:18.770-05:00Elective Rotation: Informed Consent and Biobanking<div class="Normal1">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second year
students in the UC/CCHMC GCP who are on track to complete their clinical
logbook requirements are given the option to develop their own elective
rotation. Students choose these rotations based on their interests or skills
they would like to obtain. Along with input from program faculty, they develop
the learning objectives and outcomes for their rotation. Previous elective
rotation posts were about the <a href="https://ucgeneticcounseling.blogspot.com/2014/01/elective-rotations-international.html" target="_blank">International Adoption Center</a>, <a href="https://ucgeneticcounseling.blogspot.com/2014/03/elective-rotations-starshine-pediatric.html" target="_blank">StarshineHospice</a>, <a href="https://ucgeneticcounseling.blogspot.com/2016/02/elective-rotation-psychiatry.html" target="_blank">Psychiatry</a>, and <a href="https://ucgeneticcounseling.blogspot.com/2014/04/elective-rotations-bioethics.html" target="_blank">Bioethics</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="Normal1">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="Normal1">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How are
biobanks regulated? What information are patients provided during the informed consent
process for biobank research enrollment? What is discussed when reviewing
biobanking research protocols at an IRB meeting?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Normal1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gFa3Etn6fzDVacj2icXuX44pTmpGXXVR3lFnaICfcNjXGaHFNc7lfy0BttSyt3LORvVcw7Hih9qSPlsofR9vozvqzTKOY0TWFTjnhyzNFQD9Hs7fevgnq57q8xYCY-T8fD7zrDexdLA/s1600/Fishler.Kristin.2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="512" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gFa3Etn6fzDVacj2icXuX44pTmpGXXVR3lFnaICfcNjXGaHFNc7lfy0BttSyt3LORvVcw7Hih9qSPlsofR9vozvqzTKOY0TWFTjnhyzNFQD9Hs7fevgnq57q8xYCY-T8fD7zrDexdLA/s200/Fishler.Kristin.2017.png" title="Kristen Fishler second year Cincinnati genetic counseling student" width="192" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="Normal1">
<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600"
o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f"
stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="image4.png" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Screen Shot 2017-09-05 at 9.05.25 PM.png" style='position:absolute;
margin-left:0;margin-top:5.4pt;width:122.15pt;height:127.1pt;z-index:251658240;
visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-top:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;
mso-wrap-distance-bottom:9pt;mso-position-horizontal:left;
mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:absolute;
mso-position-vertical-relative:text'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\ATZC7L\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.png"
o:title="Screen Shot 2017-09-05 at 9.05.25 PM"/>
<w:wrap type="square" anchorx="margin"/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I learned about biobanking through
lectures in Human Genetics and Emerging Topics in Clinical Genomics during my
first year of the program. Genetic counselors are often asked to facilitate consent
for research protocols involving genomics, as well as for participation in biobanks.
Biobanks offer opportunities for researchers to access many patient samples and
clinical data to facilitate research into therapeutics, natural history of
disease, how genetics may influence disease states, etc. Genetic information is
often collected, de-identified, and stored as part of this process. However,
there is ongoing debate as to if and how genetic variants found through
biobanking should be communicated to study participants. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Normal1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through networking with faculty members at the University of
Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, I set up a rotation with Dr.
Kelsey Dillehay McKillip, Director, and her team at the University of
Cincinnati Biorepository, as well as Dr. Mike Linke, IRB Chair, with the
University of Cincinnati Institutional Review Board (IRB). At this time, the UC
Biorepository is mostly composed of blood, urine, tumor and paired normal
tissue samples from patients with solid cancers. The UC IRB has 20+ members
with various professional backgrounds including biobanking, medicine, sociology,
etc. The UC IRB meets every week for about two hours. Each IRB meeting was
composed of at least eight different IRB members.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Normal1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During my rotation, I observed the biobanking process from
start to finish including screening patients to determine who met eligibility
criteria, talking with eligible patients during the informed consent process,
collecting and processing blood or tissue samples, and dispensing samples to
researchers who have IRB approval for research that utilizes UC Biorepository
specimens. I also attended UC IRB meetings where investigator-initiated biobanking
protocols were discussed. The UC Biorepository is a core facility that supports
basic scientists at UC and CCHMC, however there are also separate investigator
initiated research protocols that can involve biobanking as well. Finally, I
revised and consolidated multiple informed consent documents for different
sample types into a universal consent document. Currently, if patients have
different types of cancers, they are asked for their consent to participate in
biobanking research for each individual cancer during their clinic visits. Therefore,
the ultimate goal was to create a clear and concise consent form that would
allow patients to provide consent once and provide multiple sample types for
biobanking research in the future. The use of a universal consent form not only
facilitates research, but also increases efficiency during patient clinic
visits if patients only have to talk with one member of the research team at
one time point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Normal1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Related to my knowledge in genetics, I was specifically
tasked with adding language to the consent about how participants’ genetic
information may be handled, as well as specific laws that protect this
information (such as GINA: Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act). Further,
I conducted a literature review about how changes in human subjects research
policy impacts genetic information and the informed consent process. The
majority of biobanks, including the UC Biorepository, do not report genetic research
findings to participants. However, there is debate within the research
community about the most ethical way to handle and store genetic information
and whether it should be communicated to research participants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Normal1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My experience with the UC Biorepository team and the UC IRB
will allow me to better explain the biobanking process to patients and
anticipate questions an IRB may have about a research protocol that involves
biospecimen collection. I thank Dr. Kelsey Dillehay and Dr. Mike Linke, as well
as the UC Biorepository team members including Matt Koch, Farah Sagin, MS, and
Karen Winstead for their time and supervision. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Normal1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Normal1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am thankful that the UC graduate program encourages
students to take responsibility for their education and seek opportunities that
foster their personal and professional growth. Further, I thank my classmates
and program faculty for facilitating my interests into action throughout my
graduate career at UC.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Normal1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Normal1">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">--Kristen Fishler, Class of 2018</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-5776686747282918162017-07-10T16:17:00.000-04:002017-07-10T16:18:54.237-04:00NSGC "Prospectives in Genetic Counseling" newsletterThe National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Student/New Member SIG has put together the third edition of their "Prospectives in Genetic Counseling" newsletter, which is geared toward prospective and new genetic counseling students. It includes articles by recent alum Sarah Chadwell and current student Stacey Aldrich. Check it out here:<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B60JOhVHUADwUDRSMEhWQjF0OFk" target="_blank">Prospectives in Genetic Counseling Newsletter</a></span><br />
<br />UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-15124350080506834122017-05-25T13:54:00.001-04:002017-05-25T13:54:03.576-04:00My Experience as a Second Year Genetic Counseling Student<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhlwMjG5WnR8WjU4ArHL1WBDxFH2v-VGnQv8LJifRxggoMhdopdBVBoZNRSIV5mYf7ZFVp_JMS_hgiC2mTHkKFJ853MFfNLb5poMdzhQ-vaFaI0IUe-lCJYcS4WvYzjoD9nNZbSflNLA/s1600/Shank.Jessica.Cincinnati.GCP.2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="591" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhlwMjG5WnR8WjU4ArHL1WBDxFH2v-VGnQv8LJifRxggoMhdopdBVBoZNRSIV5mYf7ZFVp_JMS_hgiC2mTHkKFJ853MFfNLb5poMdzhQ-vaFaI0IUe-lCJYcS4WvYzjoD9nNZbSflNLA/s320/Shank.Jessica.Cincinnati.GCP.2017.jpg" title="Jessica Shank, 2017 Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Program graduate" width="284" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the strengths that I have perceived within the
Genetic Counseling Program at Cincinnati Children’s is the wealth of
opportunities we have as students here. The first year of the training program
is relatively academically heavy with significant coursework, group
assignments, research experience, and clinical exposure. The second year of
training offers more flexible time and an ability to truly tailor our learning
experience. Over the last year, a variety of experiences and opportunities have
shaped my professional and personal growth and I wanted to take some time to
share that with all of you. Here is a short summary of some of the things I’ve
done over the past year and a few pictures as well: <a href="https://jmshank.weebly.com/">https://jmshank.weebly.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had the privilege to be a LEND trainee in my second year.
LEND stands for Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental and related
Disabilities. It is a federally funded program which seeks to cultivate
leadership skills within clinical and non-clinical members of the disability
community. Through LEND I gained an understanding of my own leadership skills
and abilities while exploring how those skills fit within the greater context
of advocacy and disability policy. The LEND program at Cincinnati Children’s
this past year consisted of 24 trainees from 13 different disciplines.
Attending classes and working on projects with the other LEND trainees has
given me a broad understanding of multiple disciplines and how genetic counseling
fits in the greater medical field. LEND afforded me many opportunities to
travel for conferences and service trips as well as setting a foundation for
lifelong learning and growth through work within the disability community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Throughout the year I also attended a variety of conferences
and experiential learning events. Specific to genetic counseling, I attended
the Ohio Genetic Counselor’s conference in Cleveland and the National Society
of Genetic Counselor’s conference in Seattle. We also had the chance to attend
a bereavement conference in Columbus with other genetic counseling program
students from the Midwest area. Related to my work with LEND, I was able to
spend a week in Nicaragua working with a developmental pediatrician and a
speech team. Our LEND cohort also took a trip to Columbus, the Ohio state
capitol, to meet with our legislators for Disability Awareness day. We
discussed up and coming bills and developed our own ways to tell our stories
and advocate for our patients and their needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also had the opportunity for non-clinical training
opportunities. I was able to rotate in our lab at Cincinnati Children’s to gain
an understanding of genetic testing technologies and methodologies. I worked
with genetic counselors writing reports and interpreting variants in both the
molecular and cytogenetic labs. Additionally, I was able to visit Myriad
Genetics the summer before my second year which gave me hands-on exposure to
industry and oncology genetics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am so grateful for my time at Cincinnati Children’s and
the experiences I can take with me in my career. You get out of life what you
put into it, but it comes back so much fuller. My second year of training has
given me confidence in my skills and broadened my perspectives towards genetic
counseling and the healthcare field as a whole. With a foundation set in strong
clinical, practical, and relational skills as well as the ability to facilitate
my own lifelong learning I couldn’t be more excited for my future. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">--Jessica Shank, 2017 graduate</span>UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-90296710715793674842016-06-06T11:51:00.002-04:002016-06-06T11:51:53.122-04:00Traveling to Nicaragua<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hola!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A couple of months ago I embarked
on a journey to Managua, Nicaragua with a team from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) to help provide different
types of services, education, and support for children with disabilities and
their families. You might ask how I got here…so let me back up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYS3s6ALqcoPB35Z2aRrlJHBs8EXNIyylxwt149T3LjZMLBzBBipWLVxjaIVY3Dn8-MMHe_S5bz6hauw38e_ZBQU-MKXPuyGmUTz6PskBMxL1kJL1zMd6jgpD3-JYKF_Z9s3giiRATuQ/s1600/Randa.Nicaragua+pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYS3s6ALqcoPB35Z2aRrlJHBs8EXNIyylxwt149T3LjZMLBzBBipWLVxjaIVY3Dn8-MMHe_S5bz6hauw38e_ZBQU-MKXPuyGmUTz6PskBMxL1kJL1zMd6jgpD3-JYKF_Z9s3giiRATuQ/s320/Randa.Nicaragua+pic+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a second year genetic
counseling student, I am a trainee in the LEND Program. LEND stands for
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities. This
program is designed to train culturally competent, family-centered interdisciplinary
leaders who will strive to improve the health of infants, children, and
adolescents with or at risk for developmental disabilities. Trainees are
afforded many opportunities through LEND during the year and traveling to
Nicaragua was one opportunity that sparked my interest. I decided to apply,
which consisted of an essay submission, and was offered a spot on the team. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ecstatic
and terrified all at the same time, I committed and began planning. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">February arrived sooner than
I had anticipated. Before I knew it, I was sitting on the plane from Houston to
Nicaragua with different thoughts flooding my mind. What should I expect upon
arrival? Would I be accepted by the people of Nicaragua? How will the language
barrier impact our team’s goals? And most importantly, would I be able to help?
Although CCHMC has a longstanding relationship with Tesoros de Dios (</span><a href="http://www.tesorosdedios.org/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.tesorosdedios.org</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">), the organization we worked with, a genetic
counseling trainee had never gone on this trip before.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a long Saturday of
traveling, we arrived in Mangua and settled into the guest house. Sunday was
well spent exploring Granada, gathering souveniers, and eating a lot of
plantains. I remember looking out at the lake and thinking to myself, “This is
where I’m supposed to be.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIhfGktU7jlVMVk0QCuj9vpsgzvxn4lexnPVA6bHliihAQlvWFLGszYf5HybL5oMP9ohZ77WK17J65RRPSI0QufTet6cpwz0443rm_Y6JMm2xt4JGRDctqX8vE_U01vKt2pUVRZJ2D6E/s1600/Randa.Nicaragua+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIhfGktU7jlVMVk0QCuj9vpsgzvxn4lexnPVA6bHliihAQlvWFLGszYf5HybL5oMP9ohZ77WK17J65RRPSI0QufTet6cpwz0443rm_Y6JMm2xt4JGRDctqX8vE_U01vKt2pUVRZJ2D6E/s320/Randa.Nicaragua+pic+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next five days were a
whirlwind. I was paired with Dr. Susan Wiley, co-director of the Division of
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at CCHMC and developmental and
behavioral pediatrician. We saw new visits and follow-ups and I even counseled
parents of patients while their child was receiving physical or speech therapy.
I saw a variety of patients with different genetic conditions, including Rett
syndrome, Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, Trisomy 21, Joubert syndrome, and others.
I assessed parents’ perception of disability and offered psychosocial support
to patients and families as needed. Due to cultural and social misconceptions
about disability, there were often tears when I provided recurrence risk or
limited liability.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In addition to the clinical
focus, I contributed to a Developmental Disabilities Seminar with Dr. Wiley at
University of Nicaragua-Managua. We spoke with professors, healthcare
providers, and others in attendance about the field of developmental
disabilities and sharing unexpected news with parents. Everyone was very warm,
welcoming, and receptive to the information.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-zJpos92tUFLDo6AiwVlHGfU8OJeM3xPpdMaZxMtvaJ4KGqrgFoKH2E4hMGR1u0n7p_8ey2yxVo2Fvg0IjQ4VxCeNX8hiZyyJrJs6_B7F6WwYHLnwHhy5dHBPF4iqJ5soAdtk98JO-c/s1600/Randa.Nicaragua+pic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-zJpos92tUFLDo6AiwVlHGfU8OJeM3xPpdMaZxMtvaJ4KGqrgFoKH2E4hMGR1u0n7p_8ey2yxVo2Fvg0IjQ4VxCeNX8hiZyyJrJs6_B7F6WwYHLnwHhy5dHBPF4iqJ5soAdtk98JO-c/s320/Randa.Nicaragua+pic+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of my goals for this
opportunity was to recognize the role genetic counselors can play in the
field of international disability and better understand the challenges
individuals with disabilities and their families face in other countries. There
is a lack of resources in Nicaragua in general, not to mention for those with
disabilities. With only one genetic specialist, genetic testing is widely
unavailable unless a patient travels to another country for services.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another one of my goals was to gain more experience with
other healthcare providers and specifically in the setting of international
disability. I was able to observe psychologists, physical therapists,
speech/language pathologists, and others provide services and recommendations
to the patients as well as the staff of Tesoros de Dios. I know that the
knowledge I gained there can be applied to the patient care that I will provide
in the U.S.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5JcVFUvrCZabV8nzlwbKJEDHinuOVV8QYxy7XjF_oc4c0t7bj_JZES-F4H3zDR1fHBmd5neYl0CW3ajYEYYJ11vL1YmDQV6Ib5jnKY09FtoaiETqSL3HL6b3k-imIsgILjoak7XIdr4/s1600/Randa.Nicaragua+pic+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5JcVFUvrCZabV8nzlwbKJEDHinuOVV8QYxy7XjF_oc4c0t7bj_JZES-F4H3zDR1fHBmd5neYl0CW3ajYEYYJ11vL1YmDQV6Ib5jnKY09FtoaiETqSL3HL6b3k-imIsgILjoak7XIdr4/s320/Randa.Nicaragua+pic+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Nicaragua travel opportunity truly provided a basis for
understanding international disability challenges, the lack of resources many countries
have, and how genetic counselors can potentially play a role in the field. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><u1:p class=""></u1:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">--Randa Newman, genetic counseling student</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-33019293134748915022016-02-08T11:24:00.003-05:002016-05-09T10:38:38.200-04:00Elective Rotation: Psychiatry<div class="MsoNormal">
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder,
generalized anxiety disorder, major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia,
and substance abuse/dependence. These
are all psychiatric illnesses and are all relatively common. In fact, if you go through someone’s family
history you will more than likely run across at least one family member with a
history of mental illness. But how many
of them can be seen running in families and have a known genetic
component? If you said all of them, you
are correct.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of our training as genetic counseling students is
focused on less common diseases with better characterized genetics: cystic
fibrosis, Lynch syndrome, neurofibromatosis 1 & 2, sickle cell anemia,
etc. However, we all invariably
encounter families containing members with more common diseases, such as
cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and, of course, mental illness. While we do receive training in discussing the
genetics of these conditions with patients, we rarely get to see patients for
whom these diseases and how they affect their families are a main concern. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvDJbZhxnmOsTAw7t2iebl9kzBZxvXh1qLQptXxu5Sj0xUxxSjRn8Nq5vJoam9VwRzLL9_2-pIXxn-LAvzph0mtXcJb9NAay6LgLpnI0E1ASCAePMjsGlhYPdU-pE49NsCU0pfcnq2MI/s1600/Megan+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvDJbZhxnmOsTAw7t2iebl9kzBZxvXh1qLQptXxu5Sj0xUxxSjRn8Nq5vJoam9VwRzLL9_2-pIXxn-LAvzph0mtXcJb9NAay6LgLpnI0E1ASCAePMjsGlhYPdU-pE49NsCU0pfcnq2MI/s200/Megan+2.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Program</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As a person whose life has been tremendously impacted by
mental illness in many ways, I have been especially interested in learning more
about these conditions. I was also interested in learning about the experiences
of individuals and families affected by these conditions, including ways to help people cope with mental illness
and decrease the stigma surrounding mental illness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the greatest aspects of the University of
Cincinnati’s genetic counseling program is that we have the option to do an
elective rotation in our second year. An
even better feature is that we have the opportunity and the support to create a
rotation if we have a specific interest.
After discussing my interest in psychiatry with our program faculty, I
talked to the director of the Division of Psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s
who was very interested in the idea of an elective rotation and helped me set
up a 5-week observational rotation with a few psychiatrists.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During my rotation, I shadowed three psychiatrists in very
different settings. I was in a general
pediatric psychiatry setting, the Tuberous Sclerosis
clinic, and an inpatient unit for children with both
psychiatric diagnoses and developmental disabilities. I saw a total of 19 patients
outside of the inpatient unit with a wide variety of psychiatric diagnoses,
averaging three per patient.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I learned quite a bit about different psychiatric illnesses:
how they are diagnosed, how they present, and how they are treated. Along those same lines, I was able to create
a resource for myself and others containing a list of commonly prescribed
medications and what they are primarily used to treat. During my rotation, I picked up as many
resources as I could find in the form of flyers, newsletters, and pamphlets
that are specific to the psychiatric services at Cincinnati Children’s.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I hope that my
experience in psychiatry and in setting up the rotation will inspire others to
pursue a similar rotation. As
psychiatric genetic counseling becomes more widespread, it will be easier for
others to get involved in talking to families about the genetics of mental illness. For now, though, I think it is important that
we start that conversation with psychiatry and really show them our interest in
merging the two fields.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">- Meghann Reardon, second year student</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-25685289699315053592015-10-27T11:39:00.001-04:002015-10-27T11:39:51.234-04:002015 Ohio Genetic Counselor Meeting<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago, I attended the 2015 Annual Ohio Genetic
Counselors Meeting along with my classmates Kait and Meghann. This was our
first genetic counseling conference and we were excited to find out what was
discussed and what the event would be like.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5zcDivVWinUmFlsL5qWSKZDVOoNYkq7OMVqHdvFEfdvX4lzXNImnlv6R-J75alKlN8Up04c_mwH7VGSbeLK4n-s0uvVHvLL6_tocqiI2lS4WFUil07eA8a1lFsicV9P57kh0lN9O1wE/s1600/Hayley.2015.AEC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5zcDivVWinUmFlsL5qWSKZDVOoNYkq7OMVqHdvFEfdvX4lzXNImnlv6R-J75alKlN8Up04c_mwH7VGSbeLK4n-s0uvVHvLL6_tocqiI2lS4WFUil07eA8a1lFsicV9P57kh0lN9O1wE/s320/Hayley.2015.AEC.JPG" title="second year genetic counseling student Hayley Grandine" width="244" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The conference was in Columbus and consisted of eight
different 30-45 minute presentations. The presentations covered a variety of
topics relevant to genetic counseling, including the newest therapies in
development for muscular dystrophies, perinatal ethics, and new technology for
biopsy free tumor sequencing and how it may impact cancer treatment. While it
was a long day of sitting and listening to lectures, the short length of each
one and the wide variation in topics kept the meeting engaging. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing that I realized while listening to the lectures
was how much I understood. I was able to make connections to the patients I’ve
seen and clinics I’ve rotated in. Only a year ago I was taking quizzes on
medical terminology and just starting to learn how to take pedigrees. I can’t
believe how much I have learned and grown in the past year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the break for lunch, we sat with a couple of our
classmates who graduated last May and have now been working for a few months.
This was a great opportunity to learn about the transition from graduate
training into working and how that has been for them. We were also able to get
advice about the job search process and studying for the board exam. The
environment in the lunch room was loud and exciting, as many people had the
opportunity to sit and talk with old classmates and colleagues who they had not
seen since last year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the conference, we were also able to network with the
genetic counseling students from Ohio State and Case Western who were also at
the meeting. This was a very fun opportunity to learn more about their programs
and discuss particularly interesting indications that we’ve gotten to see. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, I had a lot of fun attending the Ohio Genetic
Counselors Meeting. It was a good learning opportunity to find out more about
the topics presented and what a conference is like. In addition, I really
enjoyed getting to feel part of a larger community of genetic counselors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">--Hayley Grandine, second year student</span><o:p></o:p></div>
UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-85660020952831778672015-09-21T16:25:00.000-04:002015-09-21T16:25:37.627-04:00Marfan Conference 2015<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7PUYEwmmWpTo3cY-4IksKtgo_OpLQOaaM7-WTmX7d0U_o0Fi9lgmQHtT5ilm-fTi7V3JgaCXVYJVzxk7BmcWf0RbCXAKdORHYp5r-BHyqJ6_X7k6R_qTkx9Tq81KRz-mtmCdRdF9cy8/s1600/Hannah.Balka.sister.2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7PUYEwmmWpTo3cY-4IksKtgo_OpLQOaaM7-WTmX7d0U_o0Fi9lgmQHtT5ilm-fTi7V3JgaCXVYJVzxk7BmcWf0RbCXAKdORHYp5r-BHyqJ6_X7k6R_qTkx9Tq81KRz-mtmCdRdF9cy8/s320/Hannah.Balka.sister.2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me (left) and my sister, Madeline</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marfan
syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder, has impacted my life in ways that
are both challenging and rewarding. Although I do not have Marfan, my father
and younger sister were both diagnosed in 1999. Ultimately, growing up learning
and teaching others about Marfan syndrome has allowed me to forge meaning from
something that might otherwise be considered a misfortune. By my sophomore year
of college, I discovered that genetic counseling is a perfect way to combine my
personal experiences and love of science into a career. I am grateful to be
involved in a career that can help others with genetic conditions live in a way
that is meaningful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This
year, I accompanied my sister to the Marfan Foundation’s annual family
conference in Chicago, IL. The conference is an amazing four day event that
includes free medical assessments, workshops, presentations from leading
medical experts, and panels where participants can get their questions
answered. This year’s conference had two special attendees – Isaiah Austin, the
Baylor basketball player who was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome prior to his
NBA draft in 2014, and Austin Carlisle, lead singer of the band Of Mice and Men,
who also has Marfan syndrome. Having celebrities become involved with the
Marfan Foundation has been helpful because the media attention has led to increased
awareness and diagnoses that can save lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVo4i1yvnNXz8TWPmOdCo5FzeBtkGLIZM16CWt_Vcc7H7P1SD0-xy-XdFIqi4Ej6ljXAeucj2iQUPpwAJsaZRVRm0-ELAjQMkTYROcKfljJP6Z4mwpfAVeXuNgTDzjWj7zKWdy8LsU7I/s1600/Balka+sister.2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVo4i1yvnNXz8TWPmOdCo5FzeBtkGLIZM16CWt_Vcc7H7P1SD0-xy-XdFIqi4Ej6ljXAeucj2iQUPpwAJsaZRVRm0-ELAjQMkTYROcKfljJP6Z4mwpfAVeXuNgTDzjWj7zKWdy8LsU7I/s320/Balka+sister.2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 5'10" sister, Madeline, and her good friend, Andrea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For
many attendees, the Marfan conference is an opportunity to connect with others
who face the same challenges. My sister enjoys being around others who look
like her and has formed many close friendships over the years. She particularly
loves “feeling short” – at 5’10”, my sister is usually one of the tallest girls
around, but at the Marfan conference she is below average height! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
attended several Marfan conferences as a teen, but this year was my first time
experiencing the conference as an adult and also as a genetic counseling
student.<span style="color: red;"> </span>As a genetic counselor, I saw the
conference through different eyes. I was much more focused on the educational
aspects than in the past, although I certainly enjoyed catching up with old
friends and meeting new people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
attended several educational workshops during the conference. Topics of those
workshops included genetic testing, heart-related care during pregnancy,
staying fit with Marfan syndrome, and family planning options. During the
sessions, I witnessed conference attendees share their personal stories about
their diagnostic journeys and surgeries and listened to their questions and concerns.
All of the information I learned and experiences interacting with conference
attendees will be incorporated into sessions with future patients.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attending
an educational conference is invaluable way to obtain insight into what it is
like to live with a genetic disorder and the wide variation in peoples’
experiences. It gives you the
opportunity to get to know people who live with a genetic disorder as
individuals and friends rather than just a patient, an experience which I
believe allows me to better empathize with patients. You will witness firsthand
the power of support networks for those living with a genetic disorder. Many
national support groups for various genetic conditions host annual conferences
and I wholeheartedly recommend attendance for other genetic counseling students
or practicing genetic counselors. Even more importantly, be sure to tell your
patients about any conference that is offered for their diagnosis and encourage
them to attend!</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">--Hannah Balka, second year student</span><br />
<br />
</div>
UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-27280809400011218702015-02-06T09:36:00.001-05:002015-02-06T09:36:22.622-05:00Attending the AUCD Conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpve8EPMTSOYw5-j6rYLPo2qRm3Eo6QzJUIzbEO83PgH1UbFLO1yPRHOqVhdnGpjhxanmeLJjy_aRZLCcE8zD1ctUiWiJIEtSGqcAuTiVf6XjL_0On_9ZsNgqlrKFhrl7yb0be_KKsXs/s1600/AUCD+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpve8EPMTSOYw5-j6rYLPo2qRm3Eo6QzJUIzbEO83PgH1UbFLO1yPRHOqVhdnGpjhxanmeLJjy_aRZLCcE8zD1ctUiWiJIEtSGqcAuTiVf6XjL_0On_9ZsNgqlrKFhrl7yb0be_KKsXs/s1600/AUCD+pic.jpg" height="240" title="Genetic Counseling Student at AUCD" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">As a trainee in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities <a href="http://geneticcounseling4u.org/about/program_more_options.html" target="_blank">(LEND)</a> program, I had
the opportunity to attend the 2014 Association of University Centers on Disabilities <a href="http://www.aucd.org/template/index.cfm" target="_blank">(AUCD)</a> Conference in Washington, DC. </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">As a
first time attendee at the AUCD Conference, I was not exactly sure what to
expect, but I was excited for the opportunity to expand my knowledge in issues
related to disability, policy, and advocacy. I learned a lot from the scheduled
events as anticipated, but I didn’t realize how much I would also learn from
the diverse group of attendees at the conference.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">While at the conference I was
able to hear panelists discuss engaging the public in disability issues and the
future of education, employment, and community living for people with
disabilities. As panelist Emily Ladau stated, “The disability community is
talking a lot to itself, but now we need to make disability more accessible to
the community.” One method discussed involves making disability more visible
and personal to community members. If people are more aware of their own
relationships with individuals with disabilities then they will be more
invested in disability issues. I found this discussion to be especially
interesting because it had many parallels to the awareness that is needed for
genetic conditions and related genetics issues in the community. Besides
hearing from the panelists, various sessions reiterated to me the importance of
genetic counselors communicating and promoting awareness about genetic conditions
in the community and to other disciplines. I even gained some ideas for
engaging diverse stakeholders to achieve this goal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qjTQ3JG0V2q2qCpwDKMZybIqfG_B8iSVm066S7N3QsDYB-lT9vaRZR5AfYEn-P_3zIv-IpLA3R2hfGAjImYODNJQZkWMaCIPsG2Ado69RgHcd6x9GKquhQBBLWD6q0dZlvoqAlcbBA0/s1600/CaitlinC.blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qjTQ3JG0V2q2qCpwDKMZybIqfG_B8iSVm066S7N3QsDYB-lT9vaRZR5AfYEn-P_3zIv-IpLA3R2hfGAjImYODNJQZkWMaCIPsG2Ado69RgHcd6x9GKquhQBBLWD6q0dZlvoqAlcbBA0/s1600/CaitlinC.blog.jpg" height="320" title="UC Genetic Counseling Student at AUCD Conference" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Overall, attending the 2014 AUCD
Conference was a wonderful opportunity to better understand the current
practices and policies that affect the healthcare and well-being of people with
disabilities, as well as to learn what disability policy might look like in the
future. This conference also inspired me to become more involved in advocating
for individuals with disabilities and genetic conditions in the future. A
remarkable group of individuals attended the AUCD Conference and I am honored
to have been among them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">--Caitlin Campbell, Second Yea</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">r
Student<o:p></o:p></span></div>
UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-49532539441025329222014-11-21T10:00:00.000-05:002014-11-21T10:00:34.168-05:00First Year GC Students Have Some Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/3mELCIOl_50/default.jpg?sqp=CMSkvaMF&rs=AOn4CLA-87SxUYD9b-UI19EiACAJoAMMnQ"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/3mELCIOl_50?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/3mELCIOl_50?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While their second years were away at the NSGC Annual Education Conference, the class of 2016 got creative and made this fun video. </span>UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-14488679266514933222014-11-13T14:01:00.000-05:002014-11-13T14:01:27.269-05:00GC Internship Experience in an Industry Setting<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This summer I had the privilege of completing an internship
with the company Counsyl for five weeks in San Francisco, California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Counsyl is a medical technology company that
made a name for itself with its Family Prep Screen expanded carrier panel,
which screens for over 100 different autosomal recessive and x-linked
conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was the first year that
they offered a competitive genetic counseling internship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They requested my CV and two personal
statements followed by three Skype interviews: two with genetic counselors with
directorial roles and one with the Chief Scientific Officer. I was excited to
even be considered for this opportunity.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2w9t8kKuHgSK-LSoa47XSbrIu1TQCnx-XY67r7zcSTomp1dT4iHehYkpYW8poSmvjZI0DB1b3Jo9wtuUh2MZ_pg1xK8I0ePQy9ST_C9P7SR9RoIfFvR0OMoBfiBE5n90mkd3n38qee0/s1600/Joe+Jacher.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2w9t8kKuHgSK-LSoa47XSbrIu1TQCnx-XY67r7zcSTomp1dT4iHehYkpYW8poSmvjZI0DB1b3Jo9wtuUh2MZ_pg1xK8I0ePQy9ST_C9P7SR9RoIfFvR0OMoBfiBE5n90mkd3n38qee0/s200/Joe+Jacher.JPG" title="genetic counseling student Joe Jacher" width="187" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, the internship was an amazing experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My main project was to update the Family Prep
Screen, which involved looking into the current literature for any updates to
gene and variant classifications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
also able to talk with several genetic counselors that work for Counsyl and
learn about their roles within the company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interning with a commercial lab allowed me to see all of the
moving parts that I didn’t know existed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From my past experiences and classes, I learned about the technology
behind genetic testing, but I didn’t know about the numerous different
disciples needed to keep a commercial lab like Counsyl up and running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes an abundant amount of engineers,
programmers, scientists, and more working together and constantly communicating
in order for the company to be successful and profitable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This internship really opened my eyes to some of the
different roles genetic counselors can have outside of the clinical
setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At Counsyl, career options for
genetic counselors extend into positions such as project directing and
marketing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talking with these
individuals illustrated the diverse potential of my master’s degree, helping me
to appreciate my experience at UC even more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">--Joe Jacher, second year student<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-42728982218017712012014-09-23T14:30:00.000-04:002014-09-23T14:30:50.347-04:00Experiental Learning<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the
last day of fall 2014 Orientation week, all of the students and faculty in the
Genetic Counseling Program attended an all-day workshop known as Experiential
Learning. The goal of Experiential Learning is to help members of a team learn
about themselves and others, bond, and explore effective teamwork while going
through a series of difficult problem-solving tasks. After each activity was
completed, the team discussed what concepts we learned that could help us as a
team throughout the coming year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcSD0hdMkxT5JBOtSIxA0eJ8JWqUE6CUCEnW5fGRZ4tRz4ONaUQ83gMMAZTC9BFiQ3P7Ql6FNmG-cNKkCJEqNaLksiukfYDAWabHKQr0hyphenhyphenjhEP4vpjUIGtMuGRdHrJ4AkTuHqtZrADKQ/s1600/experiental+learning+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcSD0hdMkxT5JBOtSIxA0eJ8JWqUE6CUCEnW5fGRZ4tRz4ONaUQ83gMMAZTC9BFiQ3P7Ql6FNmG-cNKkCJEqNaLksiukfYDAWabHKQr0hyphenhyphenjhEP4vpjUIGtMuGRdHrJ4AkTuHqtZrADKQ/s1600/experiental+learning+2014.jpg" height="177" title="cincinnati genetic counseling program experiental learning" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of
our activities was what I will refer to as the “jump rope challenge.” The task
was to have every person present jump the rope once while two members were
handling the rope – the trick was that the jumping had to be done in pairs and
it had to be continuous, so as one pair jumped, another pair would
simultaneously run under the jump rope. If any pair tripped over the rope, the
whole team had to start over again. Given that we had 29 people, it was
incredibly difficult for all of us to get through under the requirements. We
called a team meeting and decided to modify the challenge so that we were
allowed one “empty turn” of the rope in between pairs of people so as to help
with timing. As we tried over and over to complete the task, we became aware of
the value of encouragement and support among teammates. Instead of becoming
annoyed when someone repeatedly tripped over the rope, we offered tips and
reassurance that they would get it the next try. This task also affirmed the
importance of a positive attitude – remaining optimistic and engaged in the
process really helped our team towards our goal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fortunately,
we managed to complete the challenge before the end of the allotted time and we
were all ecstatic about our achievement. As a first-year student facing a challenging
year of graduate school, I feel very grateful to be surrounded by such a supportive
team. I can see similarities between the coming year and the jump rope
challenge – at the beginning, it seemed overwhelmingly demanding and many of us
did not expect that we would be able to complete it. As a team, we made a plan
for the best strategy and modified that strategy when it was not working for
us. We succeeded in the end by encouraging each other but also by pushing
ourselves towards our goal and staying positive even when we were struggling. I
feel that this is a metaphor for the year ahead of us and although I am
nervous, I am also confident that we will all succeed because we have such an
amazing support system in the UC Genetic Counseling Program. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJ2Y7LuMV5GLdmLBvh2kdqOICE8G1IGcSWRuwN1UygwoOi53EBRZmBnbALPc-NgETLejxYYxNyHCrC5Ta8lM6hj2EAgUvZg19GtVywUVzW5xsbBeMtaOmksnI48_FMQw-0JpCJoNVYlM/s1600/Balka.Hannah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJ2Y7LuMV5GLdmLBvh2kdqOICE8G1IGcSWRuwN1UygwoOi53EBRZmBnbALPc-NgETLejxYYxNyHCrC5Ta8lM6hj2EAgUvZg19GtVywUVzW5xsbBeMtaOmksnI48_FMQw-0JpCJoNVYlM/s1600/Balka.Hannah.jpg" height="161" title="Hannah Balka - cincinnati genetic counseling student" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although
I was exhausted by the end of Experiential Learning, I was very glad for the
opportunity to get to know my classmates and supervisors. I believe that we
bonded over the difficult tasks and learned a lot about our personal leadership
styles and how we can be a more cohesive team in the upcoming academic year. I
am confident after Experiential Learning that honoring the teamwork principles
we learned will allow the UC GCP to conquer any challenge that comes our way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> --Hannah
Balka </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-14357187726096819132014-07-17T14:53:00.001-04:002014-07-17T14:55:09.240-04:00Bereavement Training Conference<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSj9fuRF-WX9hIkaD2-uwq2rwfYmqfdGLy90e_ftX8oyGR2RHODr6ko0bXvt554vaAaoybf_hYVDcREVnzKqQtZr23nKsWu0JpM8jI9sdU8nb_GtgsstjlC6jRSjlJFgSODkYeaNSUA8/s1600/Allsbrook.Co2015_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSj9fuRF-WX9hIkaD2-uwq2rwfYmqfdGLy90e_ftX8oyGR2RHODr6ko0bXvt554vaAaoybf_hYVDcREVnzKqQtZr23nKsWu0JpM8jI9sdU8nb_GtgsstjlC6jRSjlJFgSODkYeaNSUA8/s1600/Allsbrook.Co2015_2.JPG" height="320" width="187" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This summer I had the opportunity to attend the Resolve Through
Sharing Bereavement Training on Perinatal Death conference with several other genetic
counselors from CCHMC. Attending this conference allowed me the opportunity to
expand my knowledge on the process and emotions that patients and families go
through when experiencing a perinatal death. During the conference I was able to
discuss practices and policies at other hospitals with other health care
professionals, including social workers and labor and delivery nurses.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I found
it especially helpful to attend the conference with other genetic counselors.
This allowed me to hear and learn from some of their experiences and reflect on
how this will impact my own future genetic counseling career.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Although I am currently undecided on what I would like to
specialize in upon graduation, I feel that this experience has the potential to
translate into any specialty of genetic counseling. No matter what the age of
the patients are that I am working with there is always the chance to be
impacted by a loss. During my summer rotation I was able to put some of the
information I learned into practice after two of my pediatric patients passed
away. We were able to help the mother talk through difficult decisions she was
going to have to make and then provide bereavement resources. Additionally
during my summer rotation, I was involved with a case where a difficult loss
had been recently experienced. During this particular situation I was able to
include some of the information and knowledge from Resolve Through Sharing into
my psychosocial counseling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend this conference.
I’m glad that I have the foundation and framework to build relationships and
comfort patients and families when going through difficult times related to
perinatal death. This was invaluable experience that I highly encourage other
genetic counseling students take advantage of in the future. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">--Katlin Allsbrook</span></div>
UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-68146340970091189722014-05-06T11:14:00.000-04:002014-05-06T11:14:20.018-04:00Pharmacogenomics Rotation<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>In follow-up to our series on elective rotations, Krista Qualmann writes below about her experiences rotating at a Pharmacogenomics Company. Though this was not an elective rotation, Krista was the first person to participate in this opportunity. Also check out our previous elective rotation posts about the <a href="http://ucgeneticcounseling.blogspot.com/2014/01/elective-rotations-international.html" target="_blank">International Adoption Center</a>, <a href="http://ucgeneticcounseling.blogspot.com/2014/03/elective-rotations-starshine-pediatric.html" target="_blank">Starshine Hospice</a>, and <a href="http://ucgeneticcounseling.blogspot.com/2014/04/elective-rotations-bioethics.html" target="_blank">Bioethics</a>.</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SdUwZj1l9_r6eW9x89S8xLWV_Cur4pEpHRgLrKIpRLgrI0lyeLl8CX0uaoo0-Q7RBSdL3zvjgi_aSoOpLKqQ0wMJaKo4P5Tks2hZ8TeVWX8FqkpdLwqz6KOfFmMkj24R5CRrYeVUkg4/s1600/Krista.Qualmann.Co2014_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SdUwZj1l9_r6eW9x89S8xLWV_Cur4pEpHRgLrKIpRLgrI0lyeLl8CX0uaoo0-Q7RBSdL3zvjgi_aSoOpLKqQ0wMJaKo4P5Tks2hZ8TeVWX8FqkpdLwqz6KOfFmMkj24R5CRrYeVUkg4/s1600/Krista.Qualmann.Co2014_3.JPG" height="199" width="200" /></a>One of the things that drew me to the University of
Cincinnati’s Genetic Counseling Program was the wide variety of clinical
rotation opportunities. I think that it
is important to gain experience both with different supervisors and in
different settings in order to gain a full picture of the variety of roles that
genetic counselors can participate in during their career. This spring I had the opportunity to be the
first genetic counseling student to rotate through a newly added
pharmacogenomics and industry rotation at Assurex Health (<a href="http://assurexhealth.com/">http://assurexhealth.com</a>). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Assurex Health is a personalized medicine company that uses
their “GeneSight” testing panels to combine an individual’s pharmacogenetic
testing results with knowledge of drug metabolism pathways in order to help
physicians determine which psychotropic, ADHD, or pain medications may work
best for patients. During my rotation, I
participated in weekly Science Team meetings, which included company leaders,
employees, and other rotating students, such as PharmD candidates and
undergraduate co-ops. There, various
team members shared their progress on individual research projects and received
critique in a collaborative working environment. I was assigned my own research project in
which I investigated the merit of adding an additional gene to one of the
company’s panels. I presented the
results of my research at the Science Team meeting at the conclusion of my
rotation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition to my research, I practiced customer service
responsibilities by participating in physician and patient consults via
telephone. I also worked with the
marketing team to help create physician and patient-friendly education material
to be added to Assurex’s website. As an
added bonus, I received my own GeneSight test results and was able to
experience first-hand what it is like to learn those results and incorporate
them into my personal identity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During this rotation, I was able to explore many of the
non-traditional roles that genetic counselors are taking on in laboratory and
industry positions. I think that this is
an important opportunity for students to have, especially as the demand for
genetic counselors in industry increases.
Genetic counselors are trained in a unique skill set that can be applied
to many different situations. As our
field expands, we also need to be able to apply those skills to new
environments. I had a wonderful
experience working with everyone at Assurex Health and highly recommend the
rotation to future students.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
--Krista Qualmann<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-51391671443519389982014-04-15T13:59:00.000-04:002014-04-15T13:59:37.699-04:00Elective Rotations: Bioethics<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>This is the third in our series about student elective rotations. Second year students in the UC/CCHMC GCP who are on track to complete their clinical logbook requirements are given the option to develop their own elective rotation. Students choose these rotations based on their interests or on skills they would like to obtain. Along with input from program faculty, they develop the learning objectives and outcomes for their rotation. Previous elective rotation posts were about the <a href="http://ucgeneticcounseling.blogspot.com/2014/01/elective-rotations-international.html" target="_blank">International Adoption Center</a> and <a href="http://ucgeneticcounseling.blogspot.com/2014/03/elective-rotations-starshine-pediatric.html" target="_blank">Starshine Hospice</a>.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Throughout my education I have made a conscious effort to
supplement my science background with opportunities to engage in critical
thinking from outside a scientific perspective. I feel it is important for me
to remain well-rounded and I think developing myself in and out of hard science
will help me better serve my patients in the future. During my undergraduate
education, I achieved this by obtaining a minor in Philosophy to balance out my
major in Human Biology. UC’s Genetic Counseling Program has allowed me to
continue this personal development with an elective rotation in Bioethics at
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Aside from rounding me out as an individual, my
rotation in Bioethics has allowed me to critically examine ethical dilemmas and
understand how an Ethics committee works through cases to come to their
recommendations. As with any medical specialty, ethical dilemmas arise in
genetics. In fact, NSGC has an ethics advisory committee, made of up Genetic
Counselors with an interest in this area, which I hope to one day be a part of.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKh8KiDVf1V9sT2dcoE6M29dcc4wzXJhF6L4O5JumzhKwZFzec6SUSCAS45eA4gSQskL8Qs25rUQ-O-O5r0_jvCwj9m9VCB43h6o9Zlg855LyFKTXBFZZCE6yeNWuOqiTimm81AGAAak/s1600/Sara+Fernandes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKh8KiDVf1V9sT2dcoE6M29dcc4wzXJhF6L4O5JumzhKwZFzec6SUSCAS45eA4gSQskL8Qs25rUQ-O-O5r0_jvCwj9m9VCB43h6o9Zlg855LyFKTXBFZZCE6yeNWuOqiTimm81AGAAak/s1600/Sara+Fernandes.jpg" height="200" width="172" /></a>I was fortunate enough to rotate with the Cincinnati
Children’s Hospital Ethics Committee for the entire academic year, steadily
increasing my involvement as the year progressed. The Ethics Committee is an interdisciplinary
team made up of doctors, nurses, pastoral care, social workers, lawyers, and
even parents and families from the community. Ethics consultations can be
requested by any hospital employee, patient, or family member. When an ethics
consultation is requested, that request is first reviewed by a committee member
to ensure that it is within the scope of practice for the committee. Next, the
consultation is assigned to two committee members and they begin gathering
information. Once all information is gathered, the consultation is presented to
the consult team (a subcomponent of the Ethics Committee) for discussion and
development of recommendations. <span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Carrie%20Atzinger" datetime="2014-04-15T13:46"><o:p></o:p></ins></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I began my rotation by observing the committee meetings,
where we discussed cases that were at or near their resolution. These meetings
are opportunities to get a wide array of opinions on a topic and take the time
to learn important lessons from each case. I later began attending the consultation
meetings, in which new and ongoing consultations are discussed among the
smaller consult team. Here I was able to get a glimpse into the process of
coming to a recommendation on difficult cases that are currently developing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My next step is to attend consultations when they are
called, which would be an opportunity for me to follow a case from start to
finish and see the evolution of ideas as the case is discussed in the meetings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall this rotation has been a wonderful learning
experience and has allowed me to push myself to continue my well-rounded
education and to grow as a professional. I know the principles I learned in
this rotation will allow me to better understand the process of ethical
decision making and make more informed decisions when faced with an ethical dilemmas
as a practicing genetic counselor and I will be able to understand when I need
to get a hospital committee involved in the decision-making process.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
--Sara Fernandes<o:p></o:p></div>
UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2094779838473217418.post-22585251900222172572014-03-25T13:13:00.001-04:002014-03-25T13:16:39.988-04:00Elective Rotations: Starshine Pediatric and Perinatal Hospice<i>This is the second entry in our series about student elective rotations. Second year students in the UC/CCHMC GCP who are on track to complete their clinical logbook requirements are given the option to develop their own elective rotation. Students choose these rotations based on their interests or on skills they would like to obtain. Along with input from program faculty, they develop the learning objectives and outcomes for their rotation. </i><br />
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">When applying to graduate schools I
found myself scouring program websites to learn about special aspects each
school offered. </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">When reviewing the
University of Cincinnati’s website I read about students who had proposed new
‘elective rotations’ in clinics or services that didn’t typically involve a
genetic counselor.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">The University of
Cincinnati recognizes that everyone has diverse interests and encourages you to
explore these.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">During my second year, after
recognizing my love for prenatal genetic counseling, I realized that a
specialty rotation through Starshine pediatric and perinatal hospice would give
me a unique perspective into what receiving and dealing with a terminal
diagnosis is like for families.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYH_EZ5tpUa7wVbd4-mG5-PQJnUn5hduaBoc8e3_QgUf7BUl72x_wayaxfUH_HGH9LNPzAOi54qSh6cZGKOO0Fof6d_Fgz88NgWzHRfW3G8QTfFRZ5o97JouaIf9prLJs0VaZ_Wb-ztI/s1600/Kate.Heraty.Co2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYH_EZ5tpUa7wVbd4-mG5-PQJnUn5hduaBoc8e3_QgUf7BUl72x_wayaxfUH_HGH9LNPzAOi54qSh6cZGKOO0Fof6d_Fgz88NgWzHRfW3G8QTfFRZ5o97JouaIf9prLJs0VaZ_Wb-ztI/s1600/Kate.Heraty.Co2014.JPG" height="200" width="185" /></a><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">During my five week rotation I was
able to be involved in many different aspects of the Starshine program.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I attended a weekly case conference with the Starshine
team which included nurses, social workers, physicians, music therapists, child
life specialists, bereavement coordinators, holistic health specialists, and
chaplains.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">At the case conference, we
discussed the health status of current patients and shared stories to remember
patients who had recently passed away.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I
was also able to accompany nurses for hospice visits in the patients’ homes.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I was fortunate to be able to participate in
quite a few bereavement visits as well, which is a visit offered to help
families cope with a family member’s death, and celebrate their life.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">During all of my visits, I was able to listen
to the parents and siblings tell their stories about receiving the diagnosis,
learning to cope with the diagnosis, and experiences dealing with the loss of a
child.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Through this elective rotation I
gained insight into the many psychosocial issues that go along with receiving
the devastating news of a terminal diagnosis.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">All the families I met with were wonderful and were very receptive to my
questions.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">They were eager to share
advice with someone who, in the near future, might have to deliver and help
families cope with the news of a terminal condition or diagnosis.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Not only did this rotation give me
deeper insight into the multiple roles of perinatal hospice and how a genetic
counseling might be involved.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">It also
taught me a great deal about resources available to these families.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Getting to know the caring members of
Starshine’s team, and hearing parents talk about how instrumental hospice was
in helping them deal with their child’s diagnosis have made me feel very comfortable
referring future patients to similar services.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
--Kate Heraty<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
UC GCPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05840974366928881843noreply@blogger.com