Jessica Lawrence, BSc(H), MSc, CGC, CCGC

Jessica Lawrence (she/her) is a board-certified genetic counsellor who specializes in pediatric metabolics, ocular genetics, and general genetic counselling. Her graduate research work focused on the rates of Lynch syndrome among unselected women with endometrial cancer in an effort to promote universal Lynch syndrome screening for women with endometrial cancer. 

Jessica spent her first year as a certified genetic counsellor working in Edmonton with the Royal Alexandra Hospital Eye Clinic and Maternal Fetal Medicine department and at the University of Alberta Hospital. Her clinical focuses included genetic counselling for inherited ocular disorders, prenatal indications, and general genetics. Jessica transitioned to the Genomics Lab with Shared Health Manitoba in late 2020, where she gained an understanding of the complexities of molecular and cytogenetic testing techniques, coordinating genetic testing, and creating and modifying genetic testing guidelines. 

In 2023, Jessica moved to her current position with the Shared Health Manitoba clinical metabolics team. In her current role, Jessica enjoys seeing patients from diverse backgrounds for a variety of clinical indications, primarily pediatric metabolic conditions, inherited ocular conditions, primary immunodeficiencies, and general genetics patients. As the student shadowing/volunteer coordinator, she is passionate about student coaching and mentorship and enjoys having prospective and current genetic counselling students observe or participate in her clinics.

Education

Master of Science in Genetic Counselling, McGill University (2019)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Genetics, University of Manitoba (2016)

Awards

Association of Genetic Counselling Program Directors Outstanding Fieldwork Supervisor Award (2024)