Grace Foltz’23

“Majoring in Women and Gender Studies alongside Biology provided an essential interdisciplinary framework for understanding health equity, patient advocacy, and systemic healthcare barriers. This perspective directly informs my clinical work in genetic counseling, where navigating complex psychosocial dynamics, honoring patient values, and fostering an inclusive, non-judgmental environment are vital to patient care. My WGS background inspired my interest in reproductive genetics and prenatal care, and shaped my capstone project titled, “Perceptions and practices of prenatal genetic counselors related to intimate partner violence (IPV) screening and prevention” where I aim to investigate the perspectives, current clinical practices, and perceived barriers and facilitators of genetic counselors regarding intimate partner violence (IPV) screening and intervention. Overall, WGS reinforced my commitment to equitable healthcare access, reproductive autonomy, and clear, empathetic science communication.”