ABGC Spotlight: Amy Shikany’s Journey From Zoo Biologist to CGC Leader
Amy Shikany, MS, CGC, is a valuable member of the ABGC leadership team, serving on our Certification and Education Committee (CEC), lending her voice to important work developing in the industry. In this spotlight, she shares her journey through genetic counseling, her love for her work and her advice for those entering the field.
What is something unique that you value as a GC?
Amy Shikany (AS): I value the relationships that I have created as a GC. Not only with patients and families, but with other GCs and non-GC colleagues. I have had the opportunity to be involved in many education and research initiatives that have allowed me to form lasting connections with individuals I never would have met previously.
Can you share your story of becoming a genetic counselor?
AS: Like many, I was a biology major in college. Fun fact — I worked in the genetics lab at the National Zoo during undergrad and spent my days extracting DNA from various large animal poop. Upon graduation, I worked in a neuroanatomy laboratory, but quickly realized I wasn’t cut out for lab work. I started coaching high school girls’ rowing and applied to genetic counseling graduate programs. I attended Sarah Lawrence College in 2008 and graduated in 2010. Later that year, I started as a cardio genetic counselor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where I remain to this day (year 15!).
How has your work as a GC at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center evolved over the years?
AS: Much of the work I have done at CCHMC over the years has been getting myself and my colleagues to a place where we can practice autonomously at the top of our scope.
As a CEC committee member, what is your role and what have been your proudest accomplishments?
AS: As a CEC member, my role is to assist with the development of the annual board exam. This includes everything from new item creation and review of previously tested items to making sure the exam follows justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) recommendations. I am most proud of all the fabulous changes that our board and staff have made to improve the exam creation process along with Prometric. We are on a great path forward!
What are you looking forward to most on the CEC?
AS: I am most looking forward to the wonderful personal connections I have made through the CEC. I hope that changes made this exam cycle will lead to a positive experience for testing candidates.
Who has mentored you in your career?
AS: I have the world’s best mentor and advocate in my colleague, Erin Miller. She is the best cheerleader, supporter and therapist.
What is your biggest piece of advice for a current genetic counseling student?
AS: Getting involved in organization work is a fantastic way to make connections and meet people you otherwise wouldn’t. It also opens unexpected but welcome opportunities for growth.
Outside of genetic counseling, what do you enjoy doing for fun?
AS: Outside of genetic counseling, I try to spend all my time playing tennis (or at least when my kids’ own sports don’t get in the way). As a born and raised Colorado native, I also enjoy spending time outside and pretending that Ohio is as cool as the Rocky Mountains.