Abigail Johnson

Background

About Abigail Johnson

I am an aspiring genetic counselor, working to earn my Master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh. I first got into genetic counseling because of the potential the genetic counseling field has to improve the lives of people with known and unknown genetic disorders, as well as the precedent it sets for the healthcare field as a whole. Trust in the healthcare system has historically been a luxury that many are not afforded, but with a patient-centric approach that genetic counseling brings to healthcare, patients can be assured that their autonomy and decisions will be at the forefront of their medical care. My time at Syracuse University helped me better understand genetic-based neurodevelopmental disorders, and in the Epilepsy Neurogenetics Initiative at CHOP, I was able to see these how these mechanisms play a role in clinical care and treatment. During my current studies, I am learning to become a qualified genetic counselor, helping my patients understand the cause of their genetic disorders and the implications it has on their life and the lives of those around them. I hope to someday provide medical resources to underserved communities and expand the scope of genetic counseling to reach more people across the country.