I graduated from my training program in 2019, just eight months before the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us experienced social and professional isolation during this time. In retrospect, I see that this was amplified for me by nature of my new job, which involved starting a brand-new cancer genetics program at a large academic medical center for patients with hematologic malignancies and bone marrow failure syndromes. While I was fortunate to receive assistance with foundational aspects of building a program from several cancer genetics colleagues, I found that most genetic counselors didn’t want to touch hematologic malignancies with a ten-foot pole (regardless of expertise in their respective oncology sub-specialties)!

Feeling a bit isolated, but with a desire to succeed, I relied heavily upon colleagues outside my institution. I initially met and communicated with many of these individuals via the Cancer Special Interest Group (SIG) and its Hematologic Malignancies subcommittee. In starting my clinic, trial and error was (and still is, to some extent) the name of the game! However, given the numerous resources available within the Cancer SIG (including webinars, listservs, and literature libraries), I have been able to accomplish a great deal over the last four and half years.

As I started to build confidence in my expertise, I also wanted to give back to other genetic counselors who might find themselves in the same shoes I found myself in only a few years ago. So, I tapped into my love for leadership opportunities, and took on the role of Chair of the Hematologic Malignancies subcommittee! It is a great joy to perpetuate sharing the same kind of wisdom and experience that was so kindly shared with me, back when I was green genetic counselor who felt very intimidated. And don’t get me wrong - I still have so much to learn! Thanks to the Cancer SIG and the Hematological Malignancies subcommittee, we all have the opportunity to learn on a daily basis from our colleagues through monthly webinars, case conferences, and listserv discussions. I am particularly proud that this summer, our subcommittee hosted a webinar series on practicing within the hematological malignances/bone marrow failure syndrome specialty area. It was well-attended and well-received, with several participants commenting that they learned an immense amount of information overall. This was truly a full-circle moment for me!

So, I implore you: if you are curious; if you want to learn, try something new, step out of your comfort zone; or if you need to establish a new component to your genetic counseling practice, please get involved in your SIG and its subcommittees. The connections you make and the knowledge you acquire will eventually carry you toward the expertise you desire. And once you’ve achieved that, please give back. Help others who are now where you once were. Keep the cycle going, and together we can strengthen our profession!

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