Article authored and provided by Invitae as part of a paid partnership with NSGC. The content, views, and opinions expressed in this article are those of Invitae , and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
For more than 40 years, I’ve had the privilege of being a genetic counselor, from the first gene mapping to now with routine whole genome sequencing. Through it all, genetic counselors are at the forefront, operating in every sphere of genetics.
Now that I’ve had the opportunity to work both in clinical genetics and Invitae®, I see how the partnership between clinical practice and laboratory can improve with increased communication and collaboration. It takes all of us in our varied roles to ensure everyone knows a genetic counselor and what we do!
I’ve been involved in the Heart of Genetic Counseling Award since its beginning. Each year, the nominees are a shining example of our entire profession with their dedication and commitment. They inspire us to reach new heights and make a difference wherever we practice in our chosen role.
I want to highlight the 15 exceptional genetic counselors honored by their patients and nominated for the 2023 Heart of Genetic Counseling Award. The patients’ stories tell how the genetic counselors' impact has lasting effects on their patients and families.
- Victoria Suslovitch, MS, CGC, Boston Children’s Hospital (winner)
- Leslie Walsh Cyprych, MS, MPH, CGC, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh (finalist)
- Andrea Gainey, MS, LCGC, UConn Health, Huntington’s Disease Program (finalist)
- Erin Campbell, MS, CGC University of Texas Medical Center/University of Genetics Oncology Clinic
- Jamie Dokson, ScM, LCGC, Kaiser Permanente Southwest Medical Group
- Brighton Goodhue, MS, LCGC Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Dana Goodloe, MPH, MS, LCGC University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Karen Huelsman, MS, LGC TriHealth Precision Medicine Institute
- Dawn Laney, MS, CGC, CCRC Emory School of Medicine
- Mandy Miller, MS, CGC Indiana University School of Medicine/Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics
- Kate Murphy Orland, MS, LCGC University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical Center
- Mitchel Parini, MS, CGC Stanford University School of Medicine
- Nicole Pederson, MS, CGC Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic
- Sarah Saxton, MS, CGC Molecular Genetics Laboratory, NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner
- Michelle Springer, MS, CGC University of Colorado Hereditary Cancer Clinic
The Heart of Genetic Counseling Award essays were published in a beautiful book with photos of the patient authors and genetic counselors they nominated. If you want a copy of the 2023 Heart of Genetic Counseling Award book, please contact your Invitae representative or email GCheart@Invitae.com.
The capabilities of genetic counselors never cease to amaze. We strive for excellence in every aspect of our profession. The landscape may change with new technology, expanding roles and new opportunities, but our hearts remain at the forefront of the genetic counseling world.
Michelle Fox, MS, CGC coordinated the UCLA Genetics Clinic, serving pediatric and adult patients for over 35 years. She provides consultation services to organizations, laboratories and biotechnology companies, including Invitae. She is on the Mt Sinai and UCLA Genetic Counseling Program Advisory Boards, is past president of the Southern California Genetic Counselors, teaches in the UCLA Genetic Counseling Program and has served on the NSGC Board of Directors. Michelle received the 2022 Natalie Weissberger Paul Award for lifetime achievement in genetic counseling.