Welcome to Gene Scene!

With this newsletter, we hope to connect and reconnect the SLC genetic counseling community. We invite you to enjoy the first edition of our biannual publication as we share our experiences and update you on life at Sarah Lawrence. Additionally, we would like to hear about what you are doing personally and professionally, and we welcome any ideas or suggestions you may have. We see this project as a way to connect the diverse experiences of our graduates, and hope that this newsletter will evolve over time, and reflect our multifaceted community.

Current Issue:

Volume 5, Issue 1: Winter 2012
Download this issue (PDF)»

In this Issue:

• Class of 2013
• Building A Global Genetics Community
• Where are They Now? The Class of 1980
• The Impact Program
• Top Ten Genetics Stories of 2011
• Faculty Profile: Sara Kapp Gilvary
• Movies for Genetic Counselors
• NYS Genetic Task Force Update
• Meeting Review: CAGC
• The Death of Innocents: A Book Review
• Spotlight on Specialties: Teratology
• Meeting Review: OTIS
• Upcoming Meetings

The New Batch: Introducing the Class of 2013
by Anne Wein, Class of 2013

For the past 40 years, Sarah Lawrence College has been welcoming students into the Human Genetics Program. Since the first class of eight women, the program has grown to accept an average of 20 students into the program every year. The newest class of first-years is a very diverse grouping of 16 women and two men. The average age of this grouping is 26 years old, with a range from 23-41 years old. Students come from 10 states, including Washington, Nevada, North Carolina, and Colorado, to name a few. Our international contingent is made up of four Canadians and students from India, Iraq and France. Two people in the class of 2013 are married and one balances schoolwork with being a parent. Educationally, nine students come to the program with a bachelor's degree in Biology. In addition to other areas of science, some students have backgrounds that include Psychology, Human Development and Family Studies, Theater, and English. For a few students this will be an additional master's degree on top of previous masters degrees in Medical Genetics, Genetics/Genetic Counseling, and Social Work, and one student is a medical doctor.

In an anonymous survey, the class was asked, "Why do you want to become a genetic counselor?" A sampling of their answers give us an idea of their current interests and of their future goals:

• "I worked in a genetics lab and was missing the relationships."
• "I like being able to help patients understand complex medical issues or terminology and support them in making informed medical decisions."
• "I am fascinated by the complexities of gene and environmental interaction and I want to use 'detective' skills to help people learn about their health."
• "It is an exciting field, as genetics is rapidly progressing and we are learning more and more everyday."
• "So I can advocate, teach, be there for others, challenge myself, and grow!"

Graduates of the program may remember how grueling the first semester can be for students. The Class of 2013 has overcome this hurdle and is continuing their journey into the second semester. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to working with them in the future. | Read the full issue»