The Advisory Board is comprised of leaders in genetics, business and the community and serves to bring new perspectives to the table as they advise the program directors and School of Medicine administration in the evolution of the curriculum and program resources.

This program is so important to the state, the region and the nation. We need to ensure its strength and stability long into the future.

Dr. Sashi Pai, professor and clinical geneticist, Medical University of South Carolina 

 

The Genetic Counseling Program Advisory Board works to:

• support the mission of the Genetic Counseling Program;
• support the program in continuous improvement of the curriculum;
• be knowledgeable about the needs of the Genetic Counseling Program;
• make recommendations to the program directors and School of Medicine administration where appropriate;
• support the goal of increasing program resources, financial and otherwise;
• promote the program as a state, regional and national resource.

 

Board Members

Jackie Baquet, MS, CGC

Alumna, Class of 2021

I am dedicated to supporting the continued growth and progress of the program that shaped both my education and career. I’m passionate about bringing a forward-looking perspective to help the program thrive in a dynamic and transformative field.

Melissa Bennett, MS, CGC 

Clinical Strategy Officer
EviCore

I serve on the advisory board to give back to the Genetic Counseling Program that has given so much to me. I want to help ensure the program's sustainability for the training of many more generations of genetic counselors. 

Charlie Brooks, DMD

Retired Dentist
SC Department of Disability and Special Needs

As the husband of a genetic counselor who devoted herself to the field, and as a health professional who worked with patients with disabilities, I cannot overstate the importance of this science in all our personal and professional lives.

Judith T. Burgis, MD

Clinical Professor
USC SOM Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology 

I serve this board to support the Division of Genetic Counseling as we incorporate new applications and developments in genomic education and clinical practice. 

Berry Campbell,  MD

Professor and Chair
USC SOM Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

I am so pleased to serve on this Board.  The Genetics Counseling Program is so integral to our Maternal Fetal Medicine Divion – serving on the Board is a small way to say thank you for all this group adds to our Department.

Janice G. Edwards MS, CGC

Clinical Professor 
USC Genetic Counseling Program

It is an honor to work with this well-informed group of advisors to strengthen the curriculum as we prepare genetic counselors for the future of genetic medicine.

Sara Elrefai, MD, FACMG

Section Chief LCI Center for Genetics
Levine Cancer Institute

I am honored to serve on the advisory board that will help shape future leaders in our fast-moving field of Genetics.

Brenda A. Green

Founder & CEO
The B Strong Group

I serve on the Advisory Board of the USC Genetic Counseling Program to lend the voice of lived experience from the community of an organization that supports the education of future genetic counselors, helping to prepare them to effectively serve the diverse individuals and families they will encounter in their careers.

Sonja Higgins, MS, CGC

Adjunct Faculty
UNC Greensboro Genetic Counseling Program

I am privileged to serve on the advisory board of the USC Genetic Counseling program as an alumnus with twenty-five years experience as a genetic counselor. The collective experiences of the advisory board members contribute to the well rounded, through education provided by USC.

Anna C. E. Hurst, MD, MS

Medical Geneticist & Alumna (2007)
University of Alabana at Birmingham

As a proud graduate of the USC Genetic Counseling Program and now a medical geneticist, it is an honor to serve on the advisory board.   This program trains counselors who provide compassionate, cutting-edge care, and it is an incredibly valuable resource with a wide-reaching impact on medical professionals and the people they serve.

Libby Malphrus, MS, CGC

Assistant Director
Medical University of South Carolina Genetic Counseling Program

As a proud Alumna and native South Carolinian, I am honored to be a part of the continued growth of an already outstanding program.

Cristi Radford, MS, CGC

Alumna, Class of 2005

I serve on this board to give back to the program that educated me and to help prepare genetic counselors for the constantly evolving workforce.

Andrea Sellers, MS, CGC

Alumna, Class of 2005

I work to ensure the USC Genetic Counseling Program is as strong as possible for future generations of genetic counselors.

Steven A. Skinner, MD

Director
Greenwood Genetic Center

The USC Genetic Counseling Program is a valuable resource for our state that continues to produce high quality genetic counselors who are meeting a priority need in South Carolina.

J.T. Thornhill, MD

Associate Dean, Academic Affairs
University of South Carolina

As genetics and genetic counseling take on an increasing role in health care, I am honored to be a part of a group looking to educate and train the next generation of healthcare professionals in these important areas.

Paul Toriello, PhD

Assistant Dean, Clinical Graduate Programs
University of South Carolina

I am honored to serve on the advisory board for a USC School of Medicine-Columbia Genetic Counseling program. As a pioneer program with an unwavering commitment to innovation, I am excited to support its continued impact on the healthcare field at all levels. 

Debera Zvejnieks, MS, CGC

Genetic Counselor and Alumna (1992)
Prisma Health

As a graduate of the USC Genetic Counseling Program, I support the program that has enabled me to successfully pursue my career through various transitions and geographical relocations. This program is a tremendous asset for South Carolina and the southeast, both to the medical community and to the population served.