My decision to choose a career in genetics goes back to a 10th grade biology project. We had to put DNA pieces together and I did it faster than everyone else. For some reason, I thought maybe this is something that I'm good at.

Genetic counselors help patients with genetic diseases understand their risks and what they can do about it. I'm different from most genetic counselors in that I work in the laboratory that does genetic testing. My job is to work with physicians and genetic counselors to determine which genetic tests are appropriate for their patients. I spend a lot of time talking on the phone answering questions from patients, genetic counselors and physicians. I interface with lab directors, consultants involved in cases, lab supervisors who manage the lab samples and technologists who perform the assays. Sometimes I am trying to speed things up, or repeating something that didn't come out as planned. I work with the entire lab to make sure that things flow the way they should and that clinical care is a priority. I like the variety of my job. I can come in and have a complete opposite day from the day before.

Good communication skills are required for this occupation. I spend so much time on the phone that I have to be careful that the information I am conveying is concise and complete. It's more difficult to do that over the phone than it is in person. Organizational skills are also important. There are lots of things to do and you have to prioritize what comes first.

Mayo Clinic is known for patient care so I feel that when I am talking to outside clients that they really appreciate the personal touch that we give to everything.