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So, What Can You Do with a BBH Degree?

So, What Can You Do with a BBH Degree?. By, Sandy McDonough, MS, CGC BBH Graduate ’98. Goals of Presentation. Undergraduate Experiences Planning for the Future Post-College The “In-Between” Stage Graduate School Focused Studies The Real World Finding the Right Job.

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So, What Can You Do with a BBH Degree?

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  1. So, What Can You Do with a BBH Degree? By, Sandy McDonough, MS, CGC BBH Graduate ’98

  2. Goals of Presentation • Undergraduate Experiences • Planning for the Future • Post-College • The “In-Between” Stage • Graduate School • Focused Studies • The Real World • Finding the Right Job

  3. Undergraduate Professional/Volunteer Work • Externship • Community Hospital, Planning Department • Internship • Johnson & Johnson Health/Wellness • BBH Department • Research Assistant, Behavioral Pharmacology Lab • Volunteer • Community Hospital, Public Relations & Marketing

  4. Sample Resume:Education EDUCATION: BS in Biobehavioral Health with Minors in Spanish and Psychology The Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA May ‘98 Current GPA: 3.75 of 4.0, Dean’s List each semester Relevant Courses Research and Applications in Biobehavioral Health Physiology Planning and Development of Health Education Programs Genetics Spanish for Social Services Epidemiology

  5. Sample Resume: Professional Experience Health & Wellness Intern May ’97 – August ’97 Johnson & Johnson World Headquarters  New Brunswick, NJ • Developed skills in fitness center supervision. • Conducted fitness assessments, facility tours, and exercise programs. • Designed and led safe, effective group exercise classes for a variety of fitness levels. • Planned, promoted, implemented, and evaluated a health promotion program. • Coordinated a Health Fair for over 1,800 employees. Research Assistant March ’96 – May ’97 Behavioral Pharmacology Lab  The Pennsylvania State University  University Park, PA • Recorded and analyzed Centers for Disease Control data on cigarette smoking. • Compiled and logged data for research projects. • Worked collaboratively with research team in analyzing data sets. Extern January ’97 Planning Department  Saint Barnabas Health Care System  Toms River, NJ • Shadowed Director of Planning during administrative meetings, task force, and community outreach programs. • Oversaw the daily operations of a health care system. Volunteer June ’96 – August ’96 Public Relations and Marketing  Community/Kimball Health Care System Toms River, NJ • Wrote press releases collaboratively with Public Relations Specialist. • Researched hospital marketing and promotion strategies • Assisted in updating physician directory and arranging promotional mailings.

  6. First Job: Fox Chase Cancer Center • Research Study Assistant, Department of Psychosocial & Behavioral Medicine • Interviewed colorectal and prostate cancer survivors about long-term medical and psychosocial issues • Facilitated discussion sessions for couples coping with breast cancer

  7. Applying to Graduate School • GRE Preparation • Gained Counseling Experience • Bereavement Volunteer • Course Prerequisites • Shadowed Genetic Counselor • Letters of Recommendations

  8. What Is A Genetic Counselor? • Work with individuals or families at risk for or diagnosed with a genetic condition • Provide information and supportive counseling • Coordinate testing • Connect families with community resources • Involved in teaching, research, screening programs, coordination of support groups

  9. Where Do Genetic Counselors Work? • Work with MD or PhD Geneticists • Part of a team of specialists • Work in large medical centers or hospitals, usually in departments of pediatrics and obstetrics • Some work in research, public health or in private commercial laboratories • Private Practice

  10. What Kind of Education and Training are Required? • Undergraduate degrees in biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health, social work, or a related biological science • *Broad based educational backgrounds • Interest in and knowledge of basic genetics and some counseling experiences • Skills in communications, listening and counseling • Must complete a master’s degree from a training program • Courses focusing on genetics, psychosocial theory, and counseling techniques

  11. Graduate School: Mount Sinai School of Medicine • Masters of Science in Genetic Counseling • Coursework: Embryology, Biochemistry, Medical/Clinical/Human Genetics, Biostatistics, Bioethics, Psychology • Thesis: Perceived Risk and Communication of Genetic Information in Families with Colorectal Cancer • Research Assistant, Colon Disease Family Registry • Conducted interviews about personal, family, medical, and psychosocial histories • Constructed family pedigrees and made referrals for genetic counseling services for hereditary colon cancer syndromes

  12. Genetic Counseling:St. Barnabas Medical Center • Maternal-Fetal Medicine • Provided prenatal counseling in high volume setting • Took detailed family and medical histories • Offered and coordinated genetic testing • Explained test result • Provided ongoing psychosocial support and resources to patients • Provided documentation and medical management recommendations to patients and referring obstetricians

  13. From Clinical to Corporate:Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Inc • Meet with New York City physicians and genetic counselors to provide education, implement new genetic testing programs, and increase utilization of cancer genetic testing • Raise awareness of availability and clinical utility of genetic testing for physicians and patients through hospital-based outreach events

  14. Inherited Cancers Overview • Up to 10% of all cancers are inherited • Clinical tests • Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer: BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes • Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer: MLH1 and MSH2 genes • Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: APC gene • Hereditary Melanoma: p16 gene • Benefits of Genetic Testing • Personalized Risk Assessment/Clarify Risk for the Family • Medical Management Decisions/Cancer Prevention • Reduce Stress and Anxiety

  15. You Have to Start Somewhere • Have Realistic Expectations • Have a Resume & Cover Letter Ready • Get Experience

  16. Keys to Success • Networking • Put in the Time/Research • Be Proactive • Take Advantage of Resources • Be Open Minded • Take Small, Manageable Steps • Find a Balance

  17. Genetics Resources • National Society of Genetic Counselors • www.nsgc.org • Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Inc. • www.myriadtests.com • March of Dimes • www.marchofdimes.com • Genetics Education Center • www.kumc.edu/gec

  18. Job Resources • Penn State Career Services • www.sa.psu.edu/career

  19. BBH APG (Affiliate Program Group) • Connect with Alumni • Website: http://bbh.hhdev.psu.edu/apgcontact.asp • Email: bbhapg@yahoo.com • Get Involved, Make Suggestions • Build Your Alumni Society!

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