Our Genetic Counselors
Cherie Rao, MS, LCGC
My Background
I’m a native of Southern California.
Education & Experience
I traveled north to Tacoma, Washington to complete my undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Puget Sound in 1998. I then crossed the states to Boston for four years to work as a research assistant in a genetics research laboratory at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. I love genetics but did not want to spend my life on the lab bench. While at Brigham and Women’s Hospital I shadowed the genetic counselors to better understand the profession. I enrolled in evening statistics and childhood development classes, and I volunteered at a parental stress telephone hotline.
Returning to Southern California in 2002, I completed my master’s degree in genetic counseling at the University of California, Irvine. I began work for Kaiser Permanente immediately thereafter, first in Panorama City and then in San Diego where I have remained.
About My Practice
My primary specialty areas are prenatal and cancer genetics. I am also fond of cardiogenetics and other adult onset conditions. I enjoy the teaching aspect of genetic counseling. I love the enthusiasm many patients show in learning new information, both about genetics in general, as well as about their own family histories.
My enjoyment of research has not dwindled, and I have participated in several research projects in addition to my clinical roles. I am pleased that I have opportunities to do both at Kaiser Permanente.
