Rebecca Kelly, MS, CGC (she/her); Isabella Holland, MS, CGC
The article below reflects the personal opinions of the author(s) and does not reflect the views or opinions of the Perspectives editors or committee, or the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC).
As members of a small, highly specialized field, genetic counselors must find creative ways to establish professional connections. One platform that I and many other genetic counselors use to connect is Discord, a text, voice and video app where people can join servers unique to their interests. The genetic counseling Discord server (GenePool) is a professional community that provides resources, mentorship, and support for members of the field across their journey from prospective applicants to practicing genetic counselors.
As the GenePool community has evolved, members have joined together to cultivate a robust "masterlist" document, which offers resources on topics ranging from the graduate school application process to financial aid to employment. In addition to these resources, one of the biggest benefits of GenePool is the ability to connect instantly with others. At any given time, there are dozens of members online who can reply immediately to questions, and a conversation can be had in real time. The dynamic nature of the server sets it apart from other professional groups like NSGC’s discussion boards or LinkedIn, where responses are often asynchronous. Connection and support can be found quickly with many others in a matter of moments.
I initially discovered GenePool as a first-time applicant to genetic counseling programs in 2019. At the time, the server was a fairly new space, composed of mostly current students and applicants. As a new applicant, I was less familiar with the field and lacked mentorship. It was exhilarating to find instant connection to so many others who had the same interests as I did, who felt the same unique excitement and pressure that comes with applying to genetic counseling programs. I delved into the available resources and quickly made new friends. The sense of community I felt in those initial days and months was a boon, as I navigated not matching to a program during my first cycle. I commiserated with others who shared my experience, found support in those who had been through the match process before, and resolved to make the most of the resources at hand after deciding to try for a second cycle.
As I transitioned from applicant to student, I sought support from and provided support to other current students. It was helpful to hear the experiences of peers in other training programs and discuss relevant topics away from program leadership. Without GenePool, it would have been impossible to connect with students from so many other programs in a single place. At the same time, I noticed other applicants transitioning with me, and new applicants joining each cycle. Additional benefits for current students include the ability to (with IRB approval) share research study surveys, resources for boards preparation, and a space for job support. The Discord server also allowed me to begin my own mentorship journey, as I reviewed application materials and provided insight for applicants looking to learn more about training programs.
Today, as a practicing genetic counselor, I continue to provide application support to prospective students on GenePool, and now host informational interviews. I also participated in a virtual “ask me anything” event hosted on the server, where I answered questions about my role as a laboratory genetic counselor. As a genetic counselor in a nonclinical role with a nontraditional path to graduate school, I highly value the opportunity to share my experiences with applicants and current students who may not have had a chance to speak with someone like me. The GenePool server provides a far-reaching platform where I can easily connect with others who want to learn more about my experience.
In addition to mentorship opportunities, there is a growing community of practicing genetic counselors who utilize the server for professional support. Genetic counselors use the server to connect prior to and during conferences, share job opportunities and answer a wide array of questions. This community is especially valuable to genetic counselors who may be the only ones in their practice or who do not belong to other professional societies. These individuals can receive immediate answers to any questions they have from others in the field. Additionally, genetic counselors can find colleagues at a similar career stage and with similar interests, which may not be available to them at their institution.
Throughout my journey from applicant to practicing genetic counselor, the GenePool server has been a constant. I am most appreciative for the lifelong connections I have formed simply by being an active member. There are multiple people I connected with in 2019 as a first-time applicant who I have since met in person and continue to talk with. As a dynamic platform, the server continues to add new members and resources to support genetic counselors across all stages of their careers. With no fee or commitment needed to be a member, GenePool is an inclusive place to form professional connections that adds to the growing number of valuable forums contributing to community-building in our field.
Rebecca Kelly, MS, CGC (she/her) Rebecca Kelly is a certified genetic counselor working for Mayo Clinic in the division of hematopathology. She is passionate about providing mentorship to prospective genetic counseling students and sharing her experiences as a laboratory genetic counselor. She has no conflicts of interest to disclose.
Isabella Holland, MS, CGC Isabella Holland is a certified genetic counselor at UnityPoint Health in Des Moines, Iowa, specializing primarily in oncology and adult genetics. She graduated from the genetic counseling program at the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2024. She has a passion for science communication and outreach, and she began volunteering with the NSGC Perspectives Editorial Committee in 2025. Outside of her professional life, she is involved in an anti-poverty advocacy organization and loves reading, live music, exploring Des Moines and spending time with friends and family.