I like to describe my road to genetic counselling as the “scenic route” as there were many curves and diversions along the way. I obtained an RN diploma from St. Clare’s School of Nursing in 1979 followed by a degree in Nursing from Memorial University in 1982. This was followed by an M.Sc. program in Biochemical Genetics with the Faculty of Medicine at MUN. In September of 1983 the first Genetics clinic was established in Newfoundland and I was hired as its genetic counsellor. The next two years were filled with 18 hour days split between the genetic clinic and graduate studies. I finally realized that “something had to go” and it was not going to be my role as a genetic counsellor. With a promise from the hospital administration to allow time for completion of a graduate program in the future I threw my heart and soul into building a provincial genetic service. Outreach clinics were started in Gander and Grand Falls and research projects involved clinics in Burin and Labrador. Medical Genetics was really the “new frontier” at the time and it was tremendously exciting to be involved from the ground up with the development of a provincial genetic service.

As the only genetic counsellor in the province, “a lone fish in a great big sea“, I sought out other genetic counsellors across the country in an effort to create a national organization to encourage professional networking, continuing education, and development of standards for the provision of genetic counselling in Canada. Thus followed a series of meetings from 1984-1987 with other like minded genetic counsellors in Canada such as Susan Creighton, Susan Zeesman and others, and the CAGC was born.  I was proud to be a member of the founding executive.

In retrospect the biggest curve in the road came in 1987-1989. I completed a graduate degree in counselling psychology at the University of Toronto based on the advice of a prominent geneticist who felt that it would be redundant to complete a genetic counselling degree. However not having a Master’s in genetic counselling has always to some extent been the big bump along the scenic route of my formal education.

The passion that I experienced in the development of genetic services in Newfoundland was brought along to the many roles that I held within CAGC from  President, Chair of the first Certification Board, member of the Task  Force on the Professional Development of Genetic Counsellors in Canada, and chair of the core competencies subcommittee. My “shy demure nature” is often overshadowed by an impression that I can be outspoken, or a holder of strong opinions. Those who know me well, know that I will stand up for what I believe in – whether I stand alone or not. I have always brought lots of energy to what I do and many colleaques can attest to my ‘work hard-play hard’ philosophy.

Although my ability to burn the candle on both ends has diminished somewhat, my passion for genetics has never faded. I still love my job and do whatever I can to encourage others to share this same experience. I continue to promote our profession and still get excited when speaking to someone new about what a genetic counsellor does. Workloads and circumstances of work environments  can sometimes give us room for complaint but as far as enjoyment of the process of genetic counselling and giving 100% to my patients on this I have never wavered. Our patients allow us into their lives in their most vulnerable moments and we share their pain as well as their joy. It is our commitment to help them understand the knowledge we impart, and to help them make informed decisions within the maze of new genetic technology. It is this challenge and the everchanging knowledge that is genetics that has kept me so inspired throughout the years. The future of genetic counselling in Canada will continue to expand and reach new horizons, our roles will only be limited by the extent of our imagination, there is no better time to be a genetic counsellor!