10 Nov 2025 08:20
#366 Inside NSGC 2025: Entrepreneurship, Career Growth, & Genetic Counseling Trends
We’re back from the 44th National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Annual Conference, which took place this year in scenic Seattle, Washington! Between the waterfront views, lively poster sessions, and packed educational symposia, the energy was electric as genetic counselors and industry partners came together to celebrate the progress and future of our field.
This marks the 7th year in a row that DNA Today has produced an NSGC recap episode, and it continues to be our favorite conference of the year (shhh don’t tell the others).
Our host Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM, spent the week attending sessions, reconnecting with past guests and sponsors, and meeting so many listeners in person (thank you to everyone who stopped to say hello!).
In this episode we conduct a few in-person lightning interviews featuring attendees of the conference highlighting their favorite sessions and what they learned. Attendees featured include Grace Drew, Celine Belekdanian, Sofia Sheikh, Cristina Liriano Cepin, and Kim Ta.
Kira Dineen was one of six panelists for the preconference workshop, “Think Big, Start Small: A Practical Guide to Entrepreneurship”. After it wrapped she caught up with Kate Wilson to reflect on entrepreneurship as a career path for genetic counselors. Kate Wilson was the session coordinator and moderator. Kate’s two podcasts All Access DNA and DNA Dialogues are housed under our science podcast network, Gene Pool Media.
Relevant Resources:
NSGC Professional Status Survey (PSS)
DNA Dialogues, Journal of Genetic Counseling’s Podcast
Gene Pool Media: The Science Podcast Network
Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episode:
#232 Entrepreneurship in Genetics with Matt Tschirgi
#302 DNA Dialogues: Gender-Affirming Terminology and Hereditary Cancer Care
Curious about other NSGC conferences? We have recapped the last seven years of conferences including 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Don't forget to mark your calendars! The 45th NSGC Annual Conference is happening next year in Baltimore, MD from November 10-14, 2025. We are already excited to eat lots of crab cakes with fellow genetic counselors.
What’s next on our conference schedule? We will be in New Hampshire for NERGG December 4th and 5th. Our host Kira Dineen will be presenting about how to utilize social and digital media in advocacy efforts. Check out the agenda here and
