Our Genetic Counselors
Kristyn Rawson, MS, LCGC
My Background
I was born and raised in Fresno, California and then moved to Southern California to attend the University of Redlands. I had always known I loved science and medicine, but it was in college that I began to realize my love for genetics. Since I was a young child, I had dreamed of becoming a physician.
Education & Experience
After graduating from the University of Redlands with a bachelor’s degree in biology and minors in chemistry and psychology, I worked as a secretary in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center to further explore the option of becoming a physician. It was there that I decided I wanted a career where I was able to spend quality time with patients and develop a relationship with them. At Loma Linda, I had also become familiar with some genetic syndromes involving craniofacial anomalies and I enjoyed interacting with these children and their families. Given these interests, one of my professors from the University of Redlands guided me toward a career in genetic counseling.
Since I love working with children and their families, I attended the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado, where they have a strong pediatric genetic counseling program. After I received my master’s degree in 2003, I returned to Southern California and began working at a private genetic counseling company, Genetics Center, which is affiliated with Children’s Hospital in Orange, California. It was there I gained much experience in pediatric genetics. In 2009, I accepted an Associate Clinical Professor position at the University of Irvine where I was able to provide pediatric and adult general genetic counseling in addition to teaching and supervising genetic counseling students in their graduate program.
In 2011, I heard of an opening in the Genetics Department at Kaiser Permanente in the Inland Empire. This position appealed to me because of Kaiser Permanente’s reputation for patient-centered care as well as its principles to strive and innovate the best medical resources and management. I was also excited to work in the Inland Empire, where I live.
I have been affiliated with the National Society of Genetic Counselors since 2002. I was certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling in 2005 and was licensed as a genetic counselor by the State of California in 2011.
About My Practice
Although my practice currently involves seeing patients at various stages in their lives, from pregnancy through adulthood, I continue to have a particular interest in pediatric genetics. The support, respect and encouragement I receive from my colleagues at Kaiser Permanente, in addition to my continued interest in genetics, provides me with the ability to be one of the few people I know who is fortunate enough to say, “I love my job.”
How I Thrive
I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three busy boys. Much of my free time is spent at the park or on the baseball fields watching the boys play. We also have a close group of friends, also with young children, through our local church. With Kaiser Permanente’s Healthy Workplace emphasis, I have also improved my health and that of my family. Working at Kaiser Permanente has improved my quality of life on many levels and I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing organization.