In the near future, annual cell-free DNA sequencing could be used to detect cancer at incredibly early stages. Kate Gardiner, a genetic counsellor talks to us about this the inner workings of her job and more on today’s episode of Spindle. She did her undergrad in Science and Business at the University of Waterloo and did her master’s in human genetics at Sarah Lawrence college in New York. 

This episode was made possible by the generous support of the University Students’ Council at Western University. 

Producer: Mayuri

Timestamps:

(1:31); Educational background and current work.

(7:15); Day-to-day responsibilities of a genetic counsellor (GC).

(12:21); Differences in clinical versus lab work as a GC.

(14:28);What traits make someone a good fit to be a GC.

(16:34); Life in undergrad and important opportunities to look for.

(23:46); Biggest mistakes in university and advice for 20-year-old self.

(27:08); The future of genetic counselling and the impact of direct-to-consumer genetic counselling.

(32:41); The pros and cons of being a GC