GC Licensure Renewal
due 12/31/24
Go to More > PA Genetic Counseling Licensure
Pennsylvania Association
of Genetic Counselors
News & Announcements
University of Pennsylvania
Genetic Counseling Program
awarded grant to increase diversity
in student enrollment
Warren Alpert Foundation awards $9.5 Million grant to
the University of Pennsylvania for scholarships to incoming students. Scholarships include tuition and living expenses. Four other genetic counseling programs are participating in awarding scholarships. UPenn Program Director, Kathy Valverde, is the P.I.
PAGC Pennsylvania GC
Professional Status Survey
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
APRIL 3-4, 2025
PHILADELPHIA MARRIOTT WEST
CONSHOHOCKEN, PA
SEPTEMBER 2024
Newsletter Issue
Updated Management Guidelines
for 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Scroll down to read about featured genetic counseling students
About PAGC
We are a 501 (c)(6) non-profit organization that supports the professional growth of the genetic counseling community in Pennsylvania. There are great opportunities on the horizon for those who would like to volunteer their time and experience to support the needs of genetic counselors in our state. Please explore our site to get to know us and visit our Membership Page for more information about how you can get involved.
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PAGC values diversity and inclusion as core tenets to the field of genetic counseling. PAGC promotes the use of language that is conscious of these principles and encourages all members of the genetic counseling community to engage in language that is acceptable.
Resources for learning about fluidity in gender identity if you are looking for more information:
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Barnes H, Morris E, Austin J. Trans-inclusive genetic counseling services: Recommendations from members of the transgender and non-binary community. J Genet Couns. 2020 Jun;29(3):423-434. doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1187. Epub 2019 Nov 11. PMID: 31710150; LINK to article
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von Vaupel-Klein AM, Walsh RJ. Considerations in genetic counseling of transgender patients: Cultural competencies and altered disease risk profiles. J Genet Couns. 2021;30(1):98-109. doi:10.1002/jgc4.1372; LINK to article
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Sheehan E, Bennett RL, Harris M, Chan-Smutko G. Assessing transgender and gender non-conforming pedigree nomenclature in current genetic counselors' practice: The case for geometric inclusivity. J Genet Couns. 2020 Dec;29(6):1114-1125. doi: 10.1002/jgc4.1256. Epub 2020 Mar 30. PMID: 32232917; LINK to article
PAGC Membership
PAGC was formed to promote genetics education, foster professional development, encourage communication and facilitate access to services in the state of Pennsylvania. Professional membership, participation in conferences and webinars, and volunteer support are crucial to our success!
Featured Genetic Counseling
Graduate Students
If you would like to be featured, please email pagcmembership@gmail.com for submission materials.
Aritza Vanessa C. Rivera
University of Pennsylvania Genetic Counseling Program
Year of Graduation: 2025
What was your major as an undergraduate?
Biochemistry
What attracted you to pursue a career in genetic counseling?
What drew me to genetic counseling was the duality of the role. I have both the knowledge in genetics and the ability to effectively communicate the concepts. I enjoy being a part of a healthcare team that empowers patients to engage with their own care. Genetic testing allows patients to advocate for themselves, and I appreciate being part of their journey.
What field of genetic counseling are you most interested in post-graduation?
I am most interested in cancer and precision-medicine genetic counseling. My interest in the field of oncology stems from my experience as a coordinator for cancer research trials. From my interaction with clinical trials, I have developed an interest in the areas that could benefit from the presence of genetic counselors, like pharmaceutical trials and personalized medicine.
What has been the most valuable aspect of your training so far?
Developing my communication skills will be my greatest takeaway from my studies. Having the ability to be an effective and clear communicator when relaying complex scientific concepts is the most transferable and desirable aspects of my training.
Please provide a brief description of your thesis project.
My thesis is analyzing the phenotypic landscape of SYNGAP1-ID from the lens of the Spanish-speaking population. In an effort to diversify the patient population, this study will focus on the similarities and differences between symptom presentation and treatment management in different Spanish-speaking countries.
Swathi Balaji
University of Pittsburgh Genetic Counseling Program
Year of Graduation: 2025
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​What was your major as an undergraduate?
I studied Cognitive Neuroscience to understand how people's behaviors and decision-making processes are influenced in health settings, providing valuable insights into patient interactions and outcomes.
What attracted you to pursue a career in genetic counseling?
This field combines my passion for science with the opportunity to support individuals and families during crucial moments, helping them navigate complex genetic information and make informed health decisions. The chance to blend cutting-edge science with compassionate care, while contributing to advancements in precision medicine, continues to inspire my commitment to this field.
What field of genetic counseling are you most interested in post-graduation?
I am most interested in newborn screening, as it aligns with my passion for population health by enabling early detection of genetic conditions on a large scale. Improving screening processes allows for timely interventions that can significantly impact the health outcomes of newborns, ultimately contributing to better long-term health for entire populations.
What has been the most valuable aspect of your training so far?
Working with simulated patients and receiving real-time feedback has allowed me to refine my skills and grow continuously. This hands-on experience has built my confidence and equipped me with the tools needed to excel in real-world patient interactions.
Please provide a brief description of your thesis project.
My thesis project, titled "Translating the Druggable Genome into Clinical Practice: Oncology Providers’ Education and Comfort on Pharmacogenomics," explores the role of pharmacogenomics (PGx) in personalized cancer treatment. I will investigate oncology healthcare providers' knowledge, comfort, and experience with PGx education and its clinical application. My aim is to identify gaps in PGx understanding and implementation among non-genetic providers to guide the development of educational resources and promote more effective implementation of PGx into oncology care.
