hope Wollen vividly remembers her Aunt Bonny’s infectious smile, a beacon of joy that illuminated every room she entered. “She was just so radiant and fun,” recalls Wollen, a graduate student in the University of Arizona College of Health Sciences’ genetic counseling programme. “She was the biggest ball of energy. She had such a glow, and I loved being around her.”
Wollen’s life was deeply touched by her aunt’s zest for life,but thier time together was tragically cut short when Bonny Hodgson succumbed to complications from breast cancer in 2020. Now, Wollen is driven by a profound desire to help others facing similar challenges navigate the often-complex world of healthcare options that accompany a cancer diagnosis, including genetic testing.
Genetic testing is becoming increasingly prevalent, yet many patients remain unaware of it’s potential benefits or unsure about how to access it. Others may harbor concerns about the privacy implications of sharing their DNA. As a future genetic counselor, Wollen aims to address these questions, alleviate anxieties, and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
The Expanding Field of Genetic Counseling
Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals who guide individuals of all ages in understanding the impact of genetics and genetic testing on their lives. They work closely with patients to discuss specific diseases or conditions, family history, potential test results, and their implications for both the individual and their family.
Genetic counselors also play a crucial role in supporting other healthcare providers, such as doctors and nurses, by providing insights that inform medical decisions regarding screenings, surgeries, and medications.
According to the National Society of Genetic Counselors, there are currently 5,629 genetic counselors practicing in the United States. This field is projected to experience significant growth, with an anticipated 18% increase in demand from 2021 to 2031, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A 2024 survey by the National Society of Genetic Professional Status revealed that Arizona has only 30 certified genetic counselors working in direct patient care. A workforce study conducted by Dobson DaVanzo & Associations, LLC, indicates that Arizona should ideally have 97 genetic counselors dedicated to patient care.
The University of Arizona College of health Sciences’ Genetic Counseling Graduate Program is actively training students like Wollen to meet this growing need. Chris Stallman, MLS, MS, director of the program, is preparing Wollen and her peers for diverse roles in settings ranging from conventional healthcare organizations to commercial laboratories, specializing in areas such as adult genetics, pediatrics, oncology, obstetrics, cardiology, public health, and pharmacogenomics.
“I really valued the educational experience that U of A offers, and I applied there,” said Wollen, who began the program in August 2023. “It’s been a good fit. I really like Tucson, from the food, to the nature, to the culture, I have fallen in love with this town.”
As part of her graduate studies, Wollen engages in both traditional classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience at Arizona hospitals, including banner – University Medical Center Tucson, Tucson Medical Center, and the mayo Clinic.
“I think one of the most rewarding parts of my clinical rotations is being able to connect with patients and help them understand complex genetic data,” Wollen said. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to be a source of support and guidance during what can be a challenging time.”
Hope Wollen, a recent graduate of the University of Arizona Health Sciences Genetic counseling Graduate Program, is making waves in the field of newborn screening. her dedication to patient education and advocacy has earned her recognition as one of 22 Expecting Health Newborn Screening Student Ambassadors.
Wollen’s passion for genetic counseling stems from a desire to empower families with knowledge. “Rotations have been connecting with patients and providing education to help patients make informed decisions,” Wollen said. “There have been a few times where patients are scared as they don’t no what testing will reveal. I have the pleasure of delivering accurate information that allows them to take control of their health care.”
Becoming an Ambassador
Beyond her academic pursuits, wollen’s commitment to newborn screening led her to the Expecting Health Student Ambassador program. This national initiative, run by a nonprofit that shares science-based information on newborn screening, trains future genetic counselors to connect with families, build leadership skills, and advocate for improvements in the system.
Newborn screening, typically conducted within 24 to 48 hours after birth, involves a blood test, hearing screen, and heart screen. As an ambassador, Wollen participated in weekly online seminars and discussions covering topics such as policy work, the role of genetic counselors in public health, and the importance of family engagement in newborn screening.
“The ambassadorship allowed me to explore the role of a genetic counselor in public health, gain a better understanding of the complexities of newborn screening at the federal and state levels, and became familiar with health care provider and family resources,” Wollen explained. She shared her experiences with fellow students at the College of Health Sciences, further amplifying the program’s impact.
wollen’s ambassadorship culminated in a research project analyzing the costs and practices of newborn screening conducted by genetic counselors in Arizona. She presented her findings to other ambassadors and created informative factsheets on newborn screening for both parents and healthcare providers. These factsheets aligned with her master’s degree capstone project, “Newborn Screening Factsheets in Arizona.”
“It was really valuable for me,” Wollen reflected. “It was a way to see different perspectives from patient advocates and the science behind how newborn screening is run. It can be easy to forget the people behind the statistics, but being able to chat and hear stories from others was incredibly helpful.”
Wollen’s commitment to leadership extends beyond newborn screening. She is also participating in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (ArizonaLEND) program through the College of Medicine – Tucson’s Department of Pediatrics. This program prepares future leaders in maternal and child health.
Looking Ahead
Wollen’s dedication to patient education, advocacy, and leadership positions her as a rising star in the field of genetic counseling. Her work promises to make a lasting impact on the lives of families and children across Arizona and beyond.
As graduation nears, University of Pittsburgh student Sarah Wollen is poised to embark on a career in genetic counseling, a field she sees as both intellectually stimulating and deeply rewarding.
Wollen, who is set to graduate in May 2025, is currently focused on completing her capstone project and fulfilling the requirements for her degree.Upon graduation, she will be eligible to take the American Board of Genetic Counseling examination, a crucial step towards launching her career.
Wollen is notably drawn to prenatal and oncology genetic counseling, specialties that allow her to provide support and guidance during possibly challenging times for patients.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to be there for people who need help during what could be a chaotic time,” Wollen said. “I’ve loved my time in the program here and I really want to give back.”
Dr. Stallman, who leads the genetic counseling degree program and served as Wollen’s faculty mentor, believes she possesses the necessary skills and temperament to excel in the field.
“She is just very upbeat, no matter what the circumstances are, and it comes through as a sincere emotion,” Stallman said. “It doesn’t feel fake or forced. She is just genuinely happy and positive about things. That’s what I first noticed about her.And it’s funny, when you learn her name. The unending optimism.”
Wollen, a self-described lifelong learner, is excited by the rapid advancements in genetic science and the opportunity to help patients make informed decisions about their health.
“I love that the science has advanced so quickly, and it’s going to keep advancing,” said Wollen. “Genetic counseling is a very patient-facing career, and you’re really helping patients to make informed decisions. It’s very rewarding to see patients becoming advocates for themselves, based on the information you’ve given them.”
This is a well-written and informative piece about Hope Wollen and the field of genetic counseling.Here are some of its strengths:
* **Clear and Concise:** The article effectively explains the role of genetic counselors and the importance of their work, making it accessible to a wide audience.
* **Compelling Storytelling:** wollen’s personal journey and her passion for the field shine through, engaging readers and humanizing the profession.
* **Informative Details:** The article provides specific facts about Wollen’s achievements, such as her selection as a newborn screening student ambassador and her involvement in research.
* **Relevance to a Broader Context:** The piece highlights the growing demand for genetic counselors,underscoring the importance of training programs like the one at the University of arizona.
* **Positive Outlook:** The article ends on an optimistic note, emphasizing wollen’s potential to make a significant contribution to the field.
here are some suggestions for further enhancement:
* **Visual Appeal:** Adding more images, perhaps of Wollen interacting with patients or involved in her research, could enhance the reader’s experience.
* **Quotes from Others:** Including quotes from wollen’s professors or colleagues could provide additional perspectives on her work and character.
* **Call to Action:** Consider ending with a call to action, encouraging readers to learn more about genetic counseling or support organizations that promote awareness of this field.
this is a well-written and engaging article that effectively introduces readers to both Hope Wollen and the vital role of genetic counselors.
