On Nov.13, 2025, NSGC kicked off the ninth annual Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day with a livestream conversation titled “The Evolving Genetic Counseling Workforce.” The celebration brought together genetic counselors across practice settings to reflect on how the profession is practiced, perceived and positioned within the health care system.
This was also the first year this day of celebration had an updated name. What was once Genetic Counselor Awareness Day is now Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day, a change that NSGC President Sara Pirzadeh-Miller, MS, CGC, described as part of the Society’s broader modernization efforts and a recognition of how far the profession has come.
On the conversation, Pirzadeh-Miller was joined by panelists Kyle Davis, CGC, CMPP, Praveen Kaushik, CGC, CMPP, and Daniel Riconda, MS, CGC, who shared their perspectives on workforce evolution, technology, resilience and advocacy.
From Awareness to Appreciation
The new name resonated for professionals throughout the genetic counseling community. Awareness remains important, especially among policymakers and the broader public. At the same time, many genetic counselors shared they were ready to place greater emphasis on appreciation for the work happening every day in clinics, industry, research, education and public health.
The panel reflected on how genetic counselors are increasingly recognized as genomic experts on health care teams and how training now supports a wide spectrum of roles, from direct patient care to highly specialized and nontraditional positions.
The Evolving Genetic Counseling Workforce
Much of the conversation focused on how the workforce is changing and what that means for genetic counselors at every career stage. A few topics of discussion included:
New roles and career paths: Davis and Kaushik described how options have expanded far beyond traditional clinical and lab roles. Today, genetic counselors are leading in medical communications, product strategy, clinical trials and commercial teams, as well as in academic and training programs. Skills such as communication, systems thinking and comfort with complexity create flexibility across sectors. Read their article on the myriad of career options available today for genetic counselors on Perspectives (also recently featured in the annual Mosaics collection).
Technology and AI: Riconda and Davis shared examples of AI tools that are already part of their work, including AI-assisted chart review for research. The panel agreed that genetic counselors should stay engaged in decisions about how these tools are developed and used, and that patient feedback is clear. People value human interaction, empathy and nuanced counseling, and want those elements to remain central to care.
Resilience and belonging: The group acknowledged the uncertainty many members feel as the health care and industry landscape shifts. They emphasized staying curious, seeing skills as transferable and leaning on networks for support. Training programs are beginning to adapt by incorporating new tools, inviting speakers from emerging practice areas and listening closely to alumni and employer feedback.
Advocacy and the Federal Bill
The panel also looked ahead to the expected reintroduction of the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act. They discussed how Medicare recognition would:
- Improve reimbursement for genetic counseling services
- Support the creation and stability of clinical roles
- Expand access to care for patients who rely on Medicare
Riconda described the bill as one crucial piece in a larger advocacy strategy that includes partnerships with groups such as ACMG, AMA and patient organizations.
These efforts build on NSGC’s ongoing federal advocacy work, which ties workforce stability to patient access and equity in genetic counseling services.
Stories That Stay With Us
To close the livestream, the panelists shared personal stories that reflect the experiences of many genetic counselors:
- Davis recalled a grandmother who described life before a diagnosis as “fighting something invisible,” and how a result and conversation reframed years of caregiving.
- Kaushik talked about casual conversations in rideshares and how saying, “I am a genetic counselor,” consistently sparks curiosity or positive memories of prior encounters with genetic counselors.
- Riconda described a policy win that added smoking cessation support for pregnant patients, a reminder that advocacy can lead to tangible, lasting change.
These stories capture why many choose this profession and why Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day feels personal.
Keeping the Appreciation Going
On the day itself, members celebrated by using NSGC’s Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day Toolkit, sharing photos with #IAmAGeneticCounselor and #GeneticCounselorAppreciationDay, highlighting patient stories, and joining a special webinar and trivia hour.
Even as the official day passes, appreciation does not need to. You can:
- Thank a colleague or mentor who has shaped your career
- Share a story that captures why genetic counseling matters to you
- Stay engaged with NSGC advocacy, including efforts around the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act
- Support trainees and early-career counselors as they explore new paths
As NSGC reflects on Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day 2025, we acknowledge how individuals are continually reshaping what this profession can be, and in doing so, they are reshaping care for patients and families.
To every genetic counselor, student and ally in this community, thank you for your expertise, your creativity, and your commitment to the people you serve.