Where are you from?
I'm originally from Bangalore, India.
Where did you go for undergrad?
I went to UC Berkeley for my undergrad, where I double majored in molecular and cellular biology and integrative biology.
Describe your path to the Emory Genetic Counseling Training Program
During my time at Berkeley, I worked as a research apprentice in several molecular biology labs. This experience, coupled with my coursework, sparked my interest in genetics. I began contributing to a public health genetics lab, where I delved deeper into this field, and I loved every minute of it! Simultaneously, I started working in science communication, initially thinking that this would be a side project and that my interests were independent of each other.
After graduating, I moved back home and started working for a genetic testing company; however, I felt a void in my work without the human connection to genetics. I started volunteering with the Huntington Disease Society of India, which is where I first realized the lack of support available to individuals with genetic conditions, particularly in my home country. This experience solidified my aspiration to become a genetic counselor, aiming to enhance the accessibility of genetic services for diverse populations and advocate for underserved communities. Becoming a genetic counselor also allowed me to combine this aspiration with my love for genetics and science communication, serving as the perfect mixture of all my interests and passions!
What field do you plan to pursue post-graduation?
After graduation, I will be returning to India to work as a genetic counselor in a specialty genetics clinic in Mumbai.
What would you want others to know about your years in the Emory Genetic Counseling Training Program?
The Emory program has a demanding and rigorous curriculum that exposes students to the multifaceted role of a genetic counselor. The program includes academic coursework focusing on the complexities of genetic testing and its implications, extensive clinical rotations covering various specialties, and the opportunity to conduct independent research.
My experience in the program has provided me with a solid foundation for my future career as a genetic counselor. I am grateful for the friendships I have formed and the relationships I have developed during my time here. My classmates are so exceptionally knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate, and I feel privileged to have spent the past two years learning and growing alongside them. I am confident that they will provide exceptional care to their future patients. The relationships I have developed with my cohort and supervisors at Emory will continue to be valuable both personally and professionally for the rest of my life.
Why did you decide to pursue a career as a genetic counselor and come to Emory?
I chose Emory for my genetic counseling training for a number of compelling reasons. Firstly, Emory's program offers a wide range of specialty rotations, which aligned with my goal of gaining diverse clinical experiences. Additionally, the opportunity to conduct an independent research project was really appealing to me, as someone who comes from a research background and is excited about contributing to research in the future. I also loved the various out-of-classroom learning experiences that the program offered, including the ability to contribute to patient advocacy, volunteer work, and develop an in-depth understanding of the genetic counseling profession and the work that it entails. During my interview, I also really connected with the faculty, which solidified my decision to pursue my training at Emory. I am so lucky to have matched here!
What did you like most about living in Atlanta?
When I first arrived in Atlanta, I heard it described as "a city in the forest," and this unique blend of living in a big city but still being close to nature is one of my favorite parts of living here. Every season here is so beautiful in a different way, and I will miss it so much!