Amy Shikany, MS, CGC, is a cardiovascular genetic counselor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the president-elect of the American Board of Genetic Counselors. She has been a dedicated ABGC volunteer, having served as an item writer, a member and chair of the Certification and Education Committee and as a Board member.
As she prepares to step into her new role, she wants to use this ABGC spotlight to share her vision for the future of the CGC credential, ensuring it reflects the broad scope of knowledge needed in genetic counseling and continues to grow with the field.
Tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in genetic counseling?
Amy Shikany (AS): I grew up in Colorado, and while I always loved science, I moved to Washington, D.C., for undergrad thinking I would pursue a career in political science. About a week into Intro to Poli Sci, I knew that wasn’t for me and quickly pivoted to biological sciences. However, this was not a strength of my university, so I was forced to find opportunities outside of my studies. I spent time as a fellow at the National Zoo’s genetics lab — fun fact, I spent my days extracting DNA from the poop of various large animals — and worked for Genetic Alliance. These experiences proved to me that I loved genetics but was horrible at benchwork, thus making my decision to pursue a career in genetic counseling an easy one. I attended Sarah Lawrence College in 2008, graduated in 2010, and started as a cardiovascular genetic counselor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center later that year, where I remain to this day (now in my 16th year!). I am also a PROMOTE-GC Research Fellow at Johns Hopkins University, working to expand my research expertise and prepare to become an independent investigator.
You’ve been involved in ABGC for a while. Any initiatives you’ve seen or been part of that you’re especially proud of?
AS: I started out volunteering with ABGC as an item writer and slowly made my way to CEC member, CEC chair, ABGC Board member and now ABGC president-elect. I am most proud of the transition of the exam from PSI to Prometric, which has improved nearly all processes. I am also thrilled with the development of the study guide. I think this gives candidates a better appreciation for what is being asked on the exam and provides some needed transparency.
Additionally, I’m excited to see how the implementation of AI item writing improves the item-writing process. It has the potential to enhance efficiency and quality while continuing to ensure our exam remains fair, relevant and rigorous. We are on a great path forward, and I hope the changes we’ve made will lead to a positive experience for all testing candidates.
Where do you see genetic counseling going as a field? Or what is exciting to you right now in genetic counseling? And how can ABGC help support that?
AS: I see genetic counseling continuing to expand in exciting ways, and I believe ABGC has a critical role in supporting that growth. I believe the CGC credential must reflect competence across the broad scope of practice while embracing innovation in assessment. I’m excited to help lead the exploration of microcredentialing and determine if this is a path that genetic counselors should pursue or not. I also think that collaborating to elevate the value of certified genetic counselors in precision health is essential, which includes strengthening relationships with genetic counseling organizations across North America, keeping ABGC engaged in key conversations and promoting transparent policy dialogue, while also helping explain when change is not feasible. At my own institution, much of my work over the years has focused on getting myself and my colleagues to a place where we can practice autonomously at the top of our scope, and I want to help all CGCs achieve that same goal.
Do you have any advice for aspiring or new genetic counselors?
AS: Don’t be afraid to say yes to things that might scare you or be outside your comfort zone. You never know where saying yes will lead and the doors it might open. Getting involved in organization work is a fantastic way to make connections and meet people you otherwise wouldn’t — it opens unexpected but welcome opportunities for growth. I never imagined my volunteer work as an item writer would lead me to become ABGC president-elect, but here I am!
Do you have any goals for your time as president?
AS: My goals during my ABGC presidency are to ensure the CGC credential reflects competence across the broad scope of practice of our growing profession. I will uphold these standards while also making sure that ABGC moves forward in meaningful ways: exploring microcredentialing, reviewing and evaluating CEU standards and leading ABGC into our next practice analysis. ABGC does great work, and I want Diplomates to be proud of their credentialing organization.
What about your life outside of work? What do you like to do?
AS: Outside of work, I mostly spend time with my family. I also captain a women’s tennis team and love to play tennis — when my 9- and 11-year-old’s sports don’t get in the way of my professional tennis aspirations!