Post by UW School of Medicine and Public Health

Tonisha Atkins’s path began at the intersection of people and possibility. With a background in education and social work and a deep love for science, she was drawn to work that combined technical knowledge with human connection. She found meaning in walking alongside people during difficult moments and pursued a path that allowed her to balance both. That led her to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and the master’s program in genetic counseling. With the option to pursue a dual degree by also completing the Master of Public Health program, Tonisha saw an opportunity to deepen her understanding of the structural factors, public health systems and community‑level influences that shape access to care. When reflecting on the dual degree, Tonisha highlights the intersection of the individual and the community, not only in how systems influence access, but in how genetic information can affect extended families across generations. To her, the school’s vision of Healthy People, Healthy Communities means ensuring patients and communities have the information and resources they need to navigate complex and often difficult decisions. “Through my genetic counseling training, I worked closely with patients during moments of uncertainty, learning how to communicate complex information clearly while honoring the perspectives families bring to their care,” she said. She also completed a leadership program focused on improving services and supports for children with, or at risk for, neurodevelopmental disabilities and contributed to public health efforts connected to Wisconsin’s newborn screening program, including research on family experiences as new screening practices were adopted. “Working alongside trainees from multiple disciplines reinforced that the most effective solutions emerge when we center lived experience and collaborate,” Atkins said. Tonisha is the first student to complete the combined Master of Genetic Counselor Studies and Master of Public Health, joining other dual‑degree graduates across the school. She plans to continue working directly with patients as a clinical genetic counselor, while remaining engaged in research and mentorship. Congratulations to the 8 graduates of the Master of Genetic Counselor Studies program. #UWGrad