Shadowing Locations and Other Opportunities

Shadowing a genetic counselor is highly encouraged to learn more about the career! Prospective students should aim to observe at several locations and across specialties to have a better understanding of the field and its diversity. We are also happy to host medical students and other healthcare professionals interested in better understanding our role in the clinic team or those looking for a career switch.

One reality of the Covid19 pandemic was the limitation of shadowing in clinic settings. However, programs and prospective students alike got creative and found so many other ways to gain exposure to the field! Find a genetic counselor in a field of interest and ask for an interview instead! Reach out to genetic counselors in non-clinical roles - such as academia, laboratory, and social policy - and learn the different facets of their positions. Listen to podcasts, attend case conferences, or read literature!

Add the online lectures series or workshops below to your resume and don’t forget to volunteer for relevant opportunities!

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Wisconsin Genetics Clinics/Genetic Counseling Sites Offering Job Shadows

Observers must be 18 years or older and comply with the specifications of each observation site, which may include completing a confidentiality agreement, submission of immunizations, and/or an application form. Please note that applications can sometimes take a few weeks to process.

Feel free to reach out to the listed contacts to learn more about shadowing with a genetic counselor.

 

PRENATAL

Aurora Health Care
Multiple Clinical locations
Contact: Kate Stuewe (kate.stuewe@aah.org)

Gundersen Health System
La Crosse, WI Contact: David Seiffert (djseiffe@gundersenhealth.org)

UnityPoint Health - Meriter Madison, WI
Contact: Laura Witt (laura.witt@unitypoint.org)

CANCER

Aurora Health Care
Multiple Clinical locations
Contact: Kate Stuewe (kate.stuewe@aah.org)

Gundersen Health System
La Crosse, WI Contact: David Seiffert (djseiffe@gundersenhealth.org)

ProHealth Care Waukesha, WI
Contact: Margo Grady (margo.grady@phci.org) Temporarily suspended due to COVID-19

ThedaCare Appleton, WI
Contact: Gabriella Van Thiel (gabriella.vanthiel@thedacare.org)

UW Health Madison, WI
Contact: Patricia Leh-Murphy (pleh-murphy@uwhealth.org)

 
 

PEDIATRIC

Children’s Wisconsin Milwaukee, WI
Contact: Kaegan Mestel (kmestel@mcw.edu) 

Gundersen Health System
La Crosse, WI Contact: David Seiffert (djseiffe@gundersenhealth.org)

GENERAL

HSHS St. Vincent Green Bay, WI
Contact: Sumedha Ghate (sumedha.ghate@hshs.org)

 

Simulated Shadowing

Simulated practicing genetic counselor sessions are available through NSGC’s website. The Master Genetic Counselor (MGC) Series was made possible through the generous support of the Jane Engelberg Memorial Fellowship. Follow the link below to view:

Virtual Workshops

  • The Genetic Counseling Career Research & Exploration Workshop (GC-CREW) is offered by the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program (MSGC) at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

    This is a free workshop that is offered in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms for undergraduates, recent graduates and those interested in pursuing a career in genetic counseling.

    The mission of this virtual group workshop is to increase accessibility to genetic counseling, as well as to increase diversity within the field.

    Spring 2025 Application opens 8/16, closes 12/15

    Summer 2025 Application opens 12/16, closes 5/1

    Fall 2025 Application opens 5/2, closes 8/15

    For additional information on registration visit their website here

  • The GC Immersive at Color is a fully remote, educational program, designed to advance the knowledge and experience of aspiring genetic counselors. The program benefits historically under-represented members of the counseling community by enabling fully remote access to Color’s leading team, enabling participation in the program from anywhere in the world.

    Whether you are researching a genetic counseling career or applying for a graduate program, you’ll gain the real-world experience you need to become a qualified and competitive applicant. Enrollment will begin Spring 2025.

    For additional information registration visit their website here

  • Consists of two 10-week fully-online courses providing a foundation in molecular genetics, laboratory science, and clinical medicine for any individual seeking to work in the field of clinical genetics.

    Spring 2025: January 27, 2025 - April 8, 2025

    Summer 2025: June 2, 2025 - August 8, 2025

    Fall 2025: September 8, 2025 - November 14, 2025

    For more information visit their website here

Introduction to Genetic Counseling Profession: Online Courses

The University of Cincinnati Genetic Counseling Graduate Program

Offers online courses related to genetic counseling, including a Genetic Counseling Case Series that provides an introduction to the genetic counseling profession through clinical and laboratory case examples.

Find a full list of courses offered here

The University of South Carolina: Genetic Counseling Online Course

This course is made of lectures, readings from professional literature, and practical activities to broaden your understanding of the profession and prepare for graduate school.

Find a full list of courses offered here