Sara Gilvary

The Disability Service Learning course and practicum broadly covers contemporary topics of disability, with a focus on the genetics community. Through guest speakers, panels, and internships, students gain an understanding of the impact of disability and improved communication skills with individuals, families, and service providers, along with an increased awareness of the contributions that genetic counseling can make to persons with or without disabilities.

The Case Management Practicum utilizes a standardized patient model to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate and assess their skill levels in competencies necessary for the practice of genetic counseling. Students participate in prepared role-playing exercises, followed by class discussion and feedback. The course structure allows students to demonstrate competence in key skills, assess their own strengths and weaknesses and those of their peers, and formulate a plan for addressing areas needing improvement.

The Case Management Practicum utilizes a standardized patient model to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate and assess their skill levels in competencies necessary for the practice of genetic counseling. Students participate in prepared role-playing exercises, followed by class discussion and feedback. The course structure allows students to demonstrate competence in key skills; assess their own strengths and weaknesses and those of their peers; and formulate a plan for addressing areas needing improvement.

Fundamentals of Genetic Counseling aims to introduce students to fundamental skills necessary for genetic counseling. The course is structured around key components of a genetic counseling encounter. Readings provide foundational knowledge of relevant concepts and class discussions encourage comparison of different perspectives and applications. Course instructors demonstrate each skill and students then engage in skill development through role-play, peer feedback, and self-assessment.

Every student in the Joan H. Marks Human Genetics Program is required to complete a capstone experience and submit a manuscript documenting the experience or project to fulfill the requirements for obtaining a master’s degree in Human Genetics from the Graduate Studies division of Sarah Lawrence College.

The focus of this two part course is to help students develop a professional identity as a genetic counselor in the context of both the healthcare setting and the community as a whole.  Topics presented Part I may include resume/cover letter writing, interviewing, summer rotation preparation, performance evaluation and the supervisory relationship.

The focus of this two part course is to help students develop a professional identity as a genetic counselor in the context of both the healthcare setting and the community as a whole.  Topics presented in Part II of this course may include networking, salary negotiation strategies, billing and reimbursement, licensure, marketing, grant writing, self-care, exam preparation, supervision models and expanded career roles.