Wherever You Go, There You Are

This commentary is contributed as part of the guest blogger series Diverse GC Roles.

By Amelia Chappelle, MA, MS

Amelia Chappelle graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 2007 with a dual masters degrees in Human Genetics and Health Advocacy. Upon graduation, she joined Genetic Alliance, a nonprofit health advocacy organization, and oversaw the Access to Credible Resources Network project and Genetic Alliance resources and services. In November 2010, Amelia moved from Washington, DC to her hometown of Seattle, WA to manage research projects at the University of Washington in the areas of preventing and disclosing medical errors. Amelia continues to work part-time with Genetic Alliance and is enjoying splitting her professional time between both organizations.

Even during graduate school, I supposed I was what the field of genetic counseling calls “nontraditional.” Although at the time, I wasn’t necessarily thinking of what position I would hold in the field as much as following what naturally interested me. During the first semester of human genetics classes at Sarah Lawrence, I kept hearing about the courses the Health Advocacy program students were taking. They seemed so complementary to my current courses, and in my second semester in the human genetics program, I added some health advocacy classes. Yes, “busy” doesn’t begin to describe it. As both were two-year programs, I smooshed them into three years and completed two summer internships (that combined requirements for both programs). Looking back, what I was yearning for was an understanding of the larger system in which genetic counselors practice. I wanted to better understand health economics, health politics, illness narratives- a single genetic counseling session doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and I wanted a better grasp on that messy, complicated bigger picture.

During graduate school, I heard about a nonprofit called Genetic Alliance, and upon learning more, I knew I found a place for me. Genetic Alliance so closely mirrored my interests (and degrees)- an organization that is the voice of advocacy in genetics. I was drawn to the scope of the mission, addressing health and genetics from the perspective of individuals and families but also from a larger systemic view. I applied for a position that I was in no way qualified for (five years of experience in project management? Ummm…), and somehow got an interview. While I was being a bit ambitious, it turns out Genetic Alliance was as well. They hired me and another employee, without having a direct line of funding for my position. Just goes to show- if you’re passionate about an organization, a cause, a position, a project, take a chance! You just never know. I worked full-time for Genetic Alliance for three and a half years, grew as a person, and gained an extremely wide range of skills and experience.

Although I enjoyed my 11-year stint on the East Coast, I felt a pull back to my Pacific Northwest home grow stronger and stronger with every passing season. In November 2010, I took a position at the University of Washington as a research coordinator. It was a full-time position, but I negotiated a 32 hour/week position in order to maintain an 8 hour/week stint working remotely for Genetic Alliance.

At first I thought it was a bit strange that I was taking a job that doesn’t directly have anything to do with genetics, but when I actually got down to the work, it doesn’t feel odd at all. My research team’s work all revolves around medical errors and adverse events- how to reduce them and how to handle them appropriately when they happen. While I’m not talking about genetics every day, the topics I do encounter every day are extremely familiar: empathy, truth-telling, sincerity, accurate and situational appropriate communication skills, an understanding of both the individual and the system’s role, the list goes on. The job skills are also familiar, thanks to my training and years at Genetic Alliance: project management, time management, relational skills, communication skills, supervisory skills, organizational skills, business savvy, flexibility, creativity, and patience.

I think two unique aspects that make genetic counselors poised to excel in any number of positions are the abilities to make complex topics easy to understand and to empathize with others. Those two skills are applicable to so many professions- and situations throughout life. If I’ve learned anything throughout my (humbly short) career, it’s to take a chance, go after what you want, and it just might happen!