UBC’s Department of Medical Genetics offers a unique two-year Master of Science in Genetic Counselling Program.
This fall, we sat down with a few of the students to find out what attracted them to the program, and what excites them about the year ahead.
Karen Jacob
Year: 1
Hometown: Vancouver, B.C.
What sparked your interest in pursuing a Master of Genetic Counselling?
I became interested in genetics as a science undergraduate at UBC. After going on to complete a research Master’s in Medical Genetics I felt I was still missing an interpersonal component to my work. The Master of Genetic Counselling offers the perfect balance of science and personal interaction. It situates me at the intersection of basic science and clinical science, and most importantly it puts these together in meaningful interactions to care for patients directly.
What excites you the most about the 2015/2016 school year?
After a two-year hiatus from the genetics world and wonderful run working in stem cell ethics and policy at the National Core for Neuroethics, I am excited to get back into the field that I am most passionate about. I am equally as excited to meet my new classmates and to become part of the genetic counselling family.
What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
I have quite a serious and deep-seated fear of airplanes which I have struggled with since I was a child. Despite this, I have always made travel a priority. I have managed to sit through a countless number of flights and have been everywhere from Jamaica and Jordan to Japan! In total I have visited 28 different countries, so far…
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I hope to not only be counselling, but to also be involved in teaching and mentoring the new generation of genetic counselling students.
Emma Smith
Year: 1
Hometown: Johnston, Iowa, USA
What sparked your interest in pursuing a Master of Genetic Counselling?
A personal family experience dealing with a likely genetic disorder got me interested in working with families in similar situations. I learned about genetic counseling in high school by researching the top ten jobs in America, and have pursued it ever since. It’s the perfect combination, encompassing my fascination in the world of genetics and my love of working with people.
What excites you the most about the 2015/2016 school year?
I’m excited to explore Vancouver, meet new people, and dive into learning and practicing my passion.
What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
Trumpet playing is something I have enjoyed since the 5th grade. I have played in jazz bands, concert bands, the marching band in high school, and a pep band in college.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Living in a cottage with a dog or two, hopefully by a body of water. Oh yeah, and working in a clinic, or in a hospital helping patients.