Five years of advancing innovative genetics researchers at Penn Medicine
The Masters in Genetics Counseling program celebrates its fifth graduating class of genetic counselors.
2 min. read
Genetic counselors are unique experts who guide individuals and families through the complex world of genetics to better understand their health and make informed decisions. They assess a patient’s medical and family history to identify potential genetic risks, explain complex test results in simple terms, and provide support as families make important medical decisions.
Since 2018, the Masters in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program at the Perelman School of Medicine has been instrumental in advancing the field of genetic counseling, fostering groundbreaking research, and welcoming trainees from different backgrounds into the profession. Students begin with observational placements in the first semester and progress over five semesters to independent clinical responsibilities across settings like general genetics, reproductive genetics, cancer genetics, and specialty clinics. More than 130 experienced genetic counselors supervise students, tailoring placements to individual interests and learning needs, with opportunities spanning clinical practice, laboratory settings, and advocacy roles.
By the second year, students complete four in-depth clinical internships, logging well over 100 participatory encounters.
“With a curriculum emphasizing hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship, we prepare genetic counselors to excel in many areas, from clinical practice to translational research,” says Kathleen Valverde, director of the program. “As the field continues to grow, Penn’s commitment to innovation ensures that graduates are equipped to lead the next generation of genetic health care.”
In addition to preparing students for clinical practice, Penn is also committed to advancing genetic counseling as a research-driven profession. The Warren Alpert Foundation has played a crucial role in this effort, awarding a $9.7 million grant in 2021 to establish the Career Ladder Education Program for Genetic Counseling. This initiative fully funds the Advanced Research Training for Genetic Counselors (ART-GC) Certificate Program, which provides practicing genetic counselors with structured research training to expand their impact in genomic medicine. Each year, ten genetic counselors from five consortium programs, are selected for this opportunity, further strengthening the research contributions of genetic counselors nationwide. 2025 sees its fifth graduating class of genetic counselors.
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