Member Spotlight: Roa Sadat
The Basics: When and where did you earn your MS? Where do you live? Where do you work?
I went to Emory University in Atlanta, GA and graduated with a Master of Medical Science in Genetic Counseling in 2018. I currently live in Cypress, Texas and recently transitioned to a new position with Retina Consultants of Texas 6 months ago.
Tell us a little bit about your job? What is your elevator pitch?
I work in an inherited retinal disease (IRD) clinic where we evaluate people who may have a genetic eye condition that affects their vision. I collaborate with a retinal specialist who evaluates the patients and their retinal imaging. A few of the rare hereditary disorders we see are retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, and Usher syndrome. The genetic diagnosis enables us to provide an accurate diagnosis and counsel families on the risk and prognosis, as well as potential treatments, including clinical trials and referrals. We have many new and exciting potential treatment options on the horizon for some of our patients.
What part of your job gets you excited to get out of bed in the morning?
No two days in my week are the same. I love that every day is different and I get to learn something new from our patients and the team I work with.
What has been a valuable learning experience in your career path or journey?
I have learned the importance of a work-life balance. I love my job and being a genetic counselor, but I have learned to find joy and a purpose outside of my job. This helps keep me motivated in my career, avoid burnout, and develop self-confidence in the tasks I do.
What is one thing you would like to share with the TSGC community?
I recently transitioned to retinal genetics from a pediatric neurology clinic, and I realized that in my career as a genetic counselor I have always been the first and sole GC in the clinic. In both positions I helped to develop and build the genetics services. I hope that as our current retinal clinic grows, we will be able to recruit more GCs in the future.
Outside of your career, what brings you joy?
When I’m not on the clock I love to travel. The experience of new environments, cultures, and food is very exciting for me.
Tell us about a recent experience that made you feel grateful to be a genetic counselor!
During my first month at the retinal clinic, I disclosed a diagnosis of Usher syndrome to a young teenage patient and her mother. The patient had mild hearing loss and speech impairments but didn’t realize it. This was “normal” for her and her family. She was referred to us for concerns of retinitis pigmentosa and testing confirmed the Usher syndrome diagnosis. She already started having peripheral vision involvement and worsening night vision. At the end of the visit the young patient gave me a big hug and expressed her gratitude! I did not expect this and was grateful to have been able to help them better understand her diagnosis.
What genetic syndrome do you find most fascinating and why?
Of the many interesting genetic conditions, I find Down syndrome to be one of the most fascinating. In my lifetime alone I have seen people with Down syndrome break so many barriers and do so much more than anyone ever expected, and it has been very inspiring to me.
Can you tell us about your work location? Do you work remote, in-person, or a combination?
I have a hybrid work schedule. Our IRD clinic serves Houston and the many surrounding cities, and I do telemedicine in some of the further out clinics for our genetics patients.