#22-Genetic Counselor Appreciation: Professional Identity & Well Being

Earlier this month, we celebrated Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day on November 13! In recognition of this, we are featuring 2 articles that explore professional issues in the field of genetic counseling. In our first segment, we talk to Dr. Rachel Mills about the professional identity of early-career genetic counselors and in the second segment, we speak to Dr. Laura Yeates about self care strategies in cardiovascular genetic counselors.

 

Segment 1: Early-career genetic counselors' professional identity formation through experiences with continuing education at a professional conference

 

Dr. Rachel Mills is an Associate Professor and the Director of Research for the University of North Carolina Greensboro Genetic Counseling Program. She is a career-long research genetic counselor who is passionate about mentoring student researchers. Rachel's recent research has focused on professional issues in genetic counseling.

 

In this segment we discuss:

- How early-career genetic counselors form and affirm their professional identity.

- Generational differences in values and post-COVID conference experiences.

- The role of mentorship and community in fostering belonging.

- Implications for training programs and future identity research.

 

Segment 2: Well-being and self-care strategies for cardiovascular genetic counselors: A qualitative study

 

Dr Laura Yeates is a certified cardiac genetic counsellor with more than 18 years' experience, working in both research and clinical roles. She recently completed her PhD in genetic counselling under the supervision of A/Prof Jodie Ingles at the Garvan Institute in Sydney, Australia. Her PhD focused on developing a support intervention for families affected by sudden cardiac death as well as well-being in cardiovascular genetic counsellors. Laura is a past Chair (president) of the Australasian Society of Genetic Counselors (ASGC) and continues to volunteer on various ASGC committees. 

 

In this segment we discuss:

- How cardiac genetic counselors experience and manage the emotional impact of sudden cardiac death cases.

- The role of countertransference, supervision, and team support in sustaining well-being.

- How administrative burden contributes to stress and reduces time for meaningful clinical work.

- Practical and organizational strategies that help counselors build sustainable self-care routines.

Would you like to nominate a JoGC article to be featured in the show? If so, please fill out this nomination submission form here. Multiple entries are encouraged including articles where you, your colleagues, or your friends are authors.

 

Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Dialogues! In the meantime, listen to all our episodes Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Dialogues”. 

 

For more information about this episode visit dnadialogues.podbean.com, where you can also stream all episodes of the show. Check out the Journal of Genetic Counseling here for articles featured in this episode and others. 

 

Any questions, episode ideas, guest pitches, or comments can be sent into [email protected]. 

DNA Dialogues’ team includes Jehannine Austin, Naomi Wagner, Khalida Liaquat, Kate Wilson and DNA Today’s Kira Dineen. Our logo was designed by Ashlyn Enokian. Our current intern is Stephanie Schofield.