President's Perspective

It is my pleasure to introduce myself as the new president of the American Board of Genetic Counseling. I am both honored and excited to follow in the footsteps of our previous president, Catherine A. Fine, MS, CGC, and continue to guide ABGC’s strategic initiatives in order to meet our core purpose of promoting high standards in genetic counseling.

One of our core values is to ensure transparency and trust with our Diplomates. We believe that open communication is vital, and we are continually improving the way we share information with you. We understand that changes can be challenging, but we are committed to making ABGC better than ever. This year, I’ll be sharing quarterly updates about what is happening within our organization.

I want to thank those who have shared feedback with us regarding the test-taking experience in our most recent test-taking window. Please know that our executive director and her staff, along with the board, is listening and actively working with our vendor to resolve any issues. Please know that we are dedicated to improving the test-taking experience for our candidates.

As someone who has taken the CGC® exam myself, I understand the pressure and stress that accompanies such a high-stakes exam. However, I am certainly glad I took the step toward becoming a certified genetic counselor. The work I do every day is incredibly rewarding, even when challenging. While I work in a laboratory setting now, I previously spent 20 years in clinical practice and had the pleasure of being part of the leadership of a genetic counseling training program during the majority of that time. It is never easy to realize that I simply can’t fix everything for the people I work with, whether they are patients, students, or clients. As counselors, we can’t “make it better” for a family receiving unexpected news, but by listening and empowering them with the information they need, we are able to support them in difficult times.

Speaking of support, I look forward to this new chapter in supporting ABGC Diplomates. Your new executive director, Heather Rich, the executive office staff, and your board of directors is dedicated to supporting each and every diplomate and candidate alike. Serving in a leadership role for our small, tight-knit community is a highlight of my career, and I am proud of the work we do to support one another. If you are interested in getting involved with ABGC, we welcome your participation. We have several committees, including the certification exam committee and the new DEIJ committee, that are working to ensure equitable access to the exam. Volunteering with ABGC is a rewarding experience that can lead to new connections and friendships while working to support the genetic counseling profession.

In closing, I want to express my gratitude for your patience and understanding during our recent transition in management companies. I am excited about the new changes coming down the pike. We are dedicated to making ABGC the best it can be, and we appreciate your support.

-Sarah Jane Noblin, MS, CGC