How do you pronounce your last name?

Sagaser is pronounced SAG-uh-sir.

What is a genetic counselor?

A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional with specialized training in human genetics and psychotherapeutic counseling. Genetic counseling helps people understand their risk for genetic disease, as well as the meaning of genetic testing results.

To learn more about genetic counselors, visit NSGC's About Genetic Counselors page.

How does someone become a genetic counselor?

The National Society of Genetic Counselors website provides a great overview of the steps to becoming a genetic counselor!

In general, the process requires completing relevant undergraduate coursework, completing graduate training from an accredited genetic counseling graduate program, passing the ABGC board exam, and earning licensure in your state of practice.

Where did you complete your education?

I earned a B.S. degree in Biopsychology with a Minor in Counseling from Messiah College (now Messiah University) in Mechanicsburg, PA.

I also completed a M.S. degree in Genetic Counseling from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center & UT Health Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

If you’re interested in supporting the graduate education of future genetic counselors studying at my alma mater, please consider donating to the UTGCP Genetic Counseling Research & Education Fund.

What do the letters “MS, LCGC” mean when you use them behind your name?

MS stands for Master of Science, which is the highest level of education specifically for genetic counseling.

LCGC stands for Licensed, Certified Genetic Counselor. This means that I hold state licensure to practice as a Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC), and also that I successfully passed the ABGC Board Exam and am qualified to have the CGC title.

Do I address you as “Doctor”?

Nope, just Katie! Dr. Sagaser is not an appropriate title since I do not hold a doctorate degree.

If you are inclined to use an honorific, I prefer Ms. Sagaser… but really, you can just call me Katie.

Are you available for public comment?

If you are a journalist or researcher in search of expert opinion on reproductive health issues, genomics issues, or other related policy issues, please contact me to discuss your subject and deadline.

I’m interested in booking you for a speaking engagement. Are you willing to travel, and if so, where?

I am available for virtual and in-person speaking engagements alike. I live in San Diego, CA, but am willing speak at both domestic and international events. Please contact me to discuss your event and speaking needs in greater detail.

Are you available to teach a lecture, lecture series, or course?

I am a frequent lecturer at several different genetic counseling graduate programs, and am often able to accommodate teaching requests when advanced noticed is provided. Please contact me to discuss your teaching needs in greater detail.

Do you have any conflicts of interest?

I am a former employee of Juno Diagnostics, a biotechnology firm specializing in prenatal cell-free DNA screening lab-developed testing (LDT) assays.

Are you currently taking new mentees or students for clinical supervision?

I am available for one-on-one career mentorship, but believe that mentor/mentee fit is critical for a successful mentorship experience. Contact me and let’s talk more!

I am not currently accepting students for supervision in the traditional clinical setting. If you are affiliated with a genetic counseling training program offering a standardized patient rotation, I am able to offer virtual supervision and training in this setting.

What happened with Juno Diagnostics?

JunoDx permanently closed its doors and ceased all commercial laboratory operations on August 3, 2023. The decision came as a huge shock to employees, who were informed the week prior.

JunoDx relied on venture capital funding to support its commercial operations. While the company raised $25M in Series A fundraising in May 2021, the biotechnology financing landscape was very different in 2023 — particularly after the Silicon Valley Bank collapse in March 2023. As a result of this difficult economy, we were forced to close.

I am inexplicably proud of what we accomplished at JunoDx, and wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.

How do you take your coffee?

Okay, this isn’t asked all that frequently. But if you were so inclined, I’ll take a cold brew with oat milk, no sweetener — and thanks a million!