ABGC Spotlight: Kalisi Logan, MS, CGC — Leveraging a Genetic Counseling Gap Year
Read this ABGC spotlight with Kalisi Logan, MS, CGC, to learn about her career journey, what she values most as a certified genetic counselor, how she’s overcome challenges and her love of movies.
Kalisi Logan, MS, CGC (KL): Like many in the field, I decided to pursue genetic counseling near the end of my undergraduate degree. While I had the academic prerequisites, I lacked advocacy experience and a working knowledge of the field. To improve my chances of being accepted into a training program, I took a gap year and worked as a genetic counseling assistant for a team of cancer GCs at UT Southwestern. As a first-generation college student, I appreciated their mentorship, which provided the academic capital I needed to succeed. With their support, I was accepted to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where I completed my training to become a certified genetic counselor.
ABGC: What skill, attribute or passion sets you apart as a CGC?
KL: I wouldn’t describe myself as an adventurer, but when I reflect on my career, I realize that my roles have all been “non-traditional” in some way. I am willing (and often excited) to take on new challenges, even if it may be an unconventional role. The guidance and support of my mentors have made it easier to take the path less traveled.
ABGC: Can you describe your current role? What do you enjoy most about this position?
KL: As a clinical genomic educator, I develop genomic education for health care providers who do not specialize in genetics. What I enjoy most about this role is expanding upon my core skills as a genetic counselor. I’ve enhanced my education skills by learning evidence-based practices in adult education and applied my science communication skills in new ways, such as marketing.
ABGC: Can you share about a time you have been challenged in your career? How did you overcome it?
KL: Early in my career, I became the first inpatient genetic counselor at a children’s hospital, working with a team of cardiovascular surgeons. While I had some experience establishing new roles and clinics, I had never heard of an inpatient genetic counselor, let alone understood the role. I reconnected with my clinical supervisor from my cardiovascular genetics rotation for guidance, and she reminded me how our knowledge and skills as genetic counselors can be applied to many roles, including those we don’t have direct experience in. Shortly after, the Inpatient SIG of NSGC was formed, and I joined a peer supervision group with other inpatient genetic counselors. The support of these genetic counselors helped me gain the confidence and expertise to establish this new and important role within the institution.
ABGC: What is something you hope to bring to genetic counseling during your career?
KL: I’d like to empower more genetic counselors to become mentors for their peers. Mentorship has been a crucial element in my own journey, and I believe that fostering a strong mentorship culture within our field can significantly enhance professional growth and development.
ABGC: What advice do you have for someone beginning their genetic counseling journey?
KL: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! It’s a great way to make connections, and you can find great mentors along the way. One of the most valuable aspects of our profession is that it includes many people who enjoy helping others — you just have to ask!
ABGC: What do you enjoy doing in your free time, outside of genetic counseling?
KL: I love watching movies and take pride in having seen over 1,000 (and counting!). I’m also a foodie who likes supporting small businesses, so I try to eat at new places whenever I can and promote them on Instagram.