Samantha combined a love of science with a passion for psychology, and found her calling in one of healthcare's most exciting emerging fields.
Samantha has always been drawn to healthcare.
But it was the space where science meets psychology that really captured her attention.
After completing a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation at UTS in 2020, she came back for her postgraduate studies. The course she chose, a Master of Genetic Counselling, is a unqiue one. But for Sam, it made perfect sense.
"I have my own personal experience with genetic testing when I was younger. But I was always interested in healthcare and medicine, and I think genomic healthcare is definitely where the future of the industry is going."
Genetic counselling is a field that sits at a crossroads.
"Genetic counselling is unique because it allows you to understand the medical and scientific advances, and also the psychological implications. It's really a triangular approach to the different areas that I'm interested in."
The decision to study at UTS wasn’t purely based on the course, but also the way it was taught.
What made me choose UTS was its innovative approach to teaching. It's moved away from that traditional university approach of reading from a textbook to a more practical, real-world experience.
A train ride through Italy
Throughout her Masters, Sam attended multiple placements which helped shape the direction of her career. Working in a paediatric setting during one of her earlier placements sparked a passion for children's health that has stayed with her.
For her final placement, Sam looked internationally. With the help of UTS BUILD and the Global Short Programs, Sam was able to organise a spot at Guy’s Hospital in London, one of the busiest public genetic services in Europe, and make the most of it.
Being immersed in a different health system gave her a new perspective on how genetic counselling is practiced, and what that could mean for the future of the industry back home. She started to think critically about how genetic counselling could be better integrated into the Australian health system.
While she was inspired, she also caught a good case of the travel bug.
After her placement wrapped up, Sam spent another eight weeks exploring Europe.
"I was on a train from Venice to Florence and I was applying for jobs back in Australia. The week after I got back from Europe, I had a job interview back home. So you can do everything —travel and apply for jobs."
Take the opportunity
Sam is now working as a Genetic Counsellor at the Kids Cancer Centre at Sydney Children's Hospital. The role brings together everything she has worked towards, science, psychology, and the passion for children's health that started during her placement.
For students thinking about a similar path, Sam's advice is straightforward.
"[For future students] I would say to take every opportunity and not necessarily worry too much about the logistics. What I mean by that is you can always find time for work. Take opportunities, particularly while you're studying — you may not have another opportunity to do so."
Samantha Sandelowsky
Master of Genetic Counselling
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