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UConn launches state-based genetic counseling master’s program and asks rare-disease groups for training partnerships
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Summary
Leslie Bennett, cochair of the Rare Disease Advisory Council, introduced Maria Gayera and Leila Iyer from the University of Connecticut, who said UConn’s new genetic counseling master’s program graduated its first cohort in May and is designed as an online, state-based pipeline for genetic counselors.
Leslie Bennett, cochair of the Rare Disease Advisory Council, introduced Maria Gayera and Leila Iyer from the University of Connecticut’s genetic counseling program, who told council members the program graduated its first cohort in May and is intended to expand access to genetics services across Connecticut.
Maria Gayera, program director for the Genetic Counseling Program at UConn, said the program is the only genetic counseling program housed in a public institution in New England and that being state-based helps reduce tuition costs for regional students. “We just graduated our very first cohort,” Gayera said. “One of our key goals is to really create a pipeline … of genetic professionals to help better serve our community.”
Gayera and Leila Iyer, assistant program director and fieldwork coordinator, described an online, asynchronous didactic curriculum and a Professional Science Master’s (PSM) structure that combines scientific coursework with career-development training. “We are one of very few programs in the country who have an online modality,” Gayera said. Iyer described a substantial fieldwork component she called the “enrichment rotation” in the second year that lets students arrange clinical and nonclinical placements.
Iyer said students have taken rotations with research partners such as the Jackson Laboratory, with UConn’s Newborn Screening Program and with patient-advocacy organizations, including Path CT. “Our students have chosen to do time within education, for example, with JAX, getting some research experience there,” she said. Iyer added that the rotations aim to increase students’ exposure to advocacy, lived experience and equitable care so that new graduates are “ready to hit the ground running.”
Council members responded with offers to connect the program to state patient groups and community events. Colleen Brunetti, the adult living with a rare disease representative, and other members suggested outreach lists and support groups as potential training sites. Mary Caruso, a council patient-advocate member, outlined the council’s plan to compile a statewide list of patient groups and said students could assist with outreach for that mapping project.
Gayera and Iyer asked council members for specific partnership opportunities and community placements for second-year students who can assist with projects as well as shadowing and outreach. The presenters declined any request for immediate commitments but said they would follow up on suggested connections. No formal action was taken; the session functioned as a program briefing and request for voluntary partnerships.
The presentation highlighted two operational details the council discussed: the program’s PSM designation, intended to boost career readiness, and the online asynchronous format intended to improve access for learners who must work or care for family members. Council members discussed possible opportunities for students to support local advocacy events and resource-mapping work but did not authorize any funding or formal placement agreements during the meeting.
Council staff and presenters agreed to follow up by exchanging contact information and lists of state patient groups and support organizations that could host or partner with students. The Genetic Counseling Program representatives said they welcome opportunities for students to participate in community events and projects and will coordinate with RDAC members who volunteer placements or outreach support.
