Katie's Story
Collaborative, Team Approach
Supporting pediatric patients and their families requires a collaborative, team approach. Katie explained that she works closely with experts in Hematology/Oncology, Pathology, Social Work, Psychiatry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Nutrition, and Nursing. This collaboration is necessary so that the team can "share expertise to rally around our patients’ care." Katie noted that this sense of collaboration and community extends beyond her workplace at the children's hospital. She explained, "even more broadly, the community of clinicians and researchers in pediatric hematology/oncology is an incredible network for learning." She also noted, "I’ve been lucky enough to travel to educational meetings across the country and in Montreal and Scotland to share with and learn from my colleagues."
Research and Education Projects
Genetic counseling can also include research and education projects.Katie is involved in medical genetics research projects, and has personally been involved in the discovery of at leastthree new genesin the past ten years.As a member of theRUNX1research consortium, Katie collaborates with genetic counselors and oncologists across the country who see patients with a specific gene mutation known asRUNX1.RUNX1-familial platelet disorder(RUNX1-FPD) is a hereditary disorder that can make someone at higher risk for developing blood cancers, low platelet counts, or low-functioning platelets. Katie explained that as part of this project, "we are creating educational materials that we share with healthcare providers and the general public to raise awareness about rare diseases likeRUNX1."
In addition, Katie is part of a group of genetic counselors representing Washington, Oregon, and Colorado who are working together to develop educational tools for individuals and healthcare providers abouthemophilia. Katie explained that "hemophilia has traditionally only been thought to affect boys/men, and thus women, girls, and non-binary individuals have been misdiagnosed or overlooked, when these people can also have bleeding issues." She elaborated, "we are working to increase awareness and understanding about how hemophilia can affect all people, regardless of sex, gender, and gender identity."
Educational Pathway
Training to be a genetic counselor typically includes a four-year undergraduate degree and a two-year graduate degree. Katie explained that many genetic counselors major in Biology or Psychology in college, and then study Genetic Counseling in graduate school. Graduate school training typically covers important clinical and laboratory specialties that genetic counselors may choose to pursue during their careers, including prenatal, pediatrics, adult, and oncology specialties. Katie explained that "not all students have an opportunity to train in pediatric cancer, though I did and was passionate about that work."
Katie's educational pathway toward a career in genetic counseling included:
- Four-year Undergraduate Degree:Bachelor of Science degree inGenetics and Cell Biology with a minor in Pre-Genetics Counseling from Washington State University, Pullman, WA
- Two-year Graduate Degree:Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from the University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
- Certification:Certified Genetic Counselor designation from the American Board of Genetic Counseling
While in college and graduate school, Katie worked as a Resident Advisor in undergraduate residence halls and graduate student apartments. This work experience paid for her room and board while in school. She also volunteered as a HIV peer counselor while in college, which provided her with "practical health care and psychosocial experience" that was helpful for her future career in genetic counseling.
Katie's first position as a genetic counselor was at Texas Children's Hospital. For six years, she specialized in pediatric cancer while collaborating withDr. Sharon Plon, a medical geneticist and cancer genetics researcher, andSarah Scollon, a genetic counselor. Katie explained that her position was "a mix of clinical patient care in our Hematology Center, and clinical research under a grant-funded research project, providingexome sequencingto pediatric patients with solid tumors." At Texas Children's Hospital,Dr. Alison Bertuch, a pediatric oncologist and researcher, taught Katie aboutbone marrow failure syndromes. Katie reflected that, "this work was deeply impactful and I am grateful for their mentorship!" Katie moved back to Washington after accepting a position at Seattle Children's Hospital to work in the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
Enjoying the Pacific Northwest
After living in Utah and Texas, Katie is enjoying settling back into life in Washington State. She loves adventuring in the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest, catching up with old friends, and cheering on Washington sports teams. As a nod to her time living in Texas, Katie is also working on perfecting her Tex-Mex queso recipe.
