Interview with ISRS Speaker, Rikki Gaber Caffrey

As we get closer to the 2019 Illinois Symposium on Reproductive Science, now less than one month away, we look forward to a diverse array of presentations from our distinguished speakers! Featured in this week’s CRS news story, is an interview with Rikki Gaber Caffrey from Illinois Advocate - Aurora. Rikki serves as the Supervisor of Clinical Support Programs, Coordinator of Cancer Risk Evaluation Program, Chair of Regional Chicagoland Ethics Committee, Cancer Genetic Counselor, and Faculty Member at Northwestern Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling.

1. Your work is focused on genetic counseling. When did you become interested in this topic?

        I became interested in genetic counseling in college. I was looking for a healthcare provider position outside of medical doctor where I could work with patients. Genetics had always been a field I was interested in - my dad is a Professor in Genetics - so it genetic counseling was a very natural fit for me. 

2.    How do you achieve a good work-life balance?

       I strive to always keep perspective on what I am doing. I think this allows me to often have a healthy work-life balance. I prioritize my relationships, both personal and professional, and I think that also enables me to set aside work when I should. 

3.    What hobbies do you have outside of work? 

       My current "hobby" is my pregnancy! It has been a rewarding experience, and my husband and I are learning a lot about what's to come with our little one due in February. I also fit in a monthly book club with my friends and yoga classes. 

4.    What do you think will be the next big contribution in the reproductive biology field? 

        I think one contribution will be additional genetic discoveries and testing made available to families. While I think germline gene editing is far off from being offered in the clinical sphere, I believe reproductive genetics research related to editing will begin to influence what is offered clinically.