Courtesy of Lydia Higgs
Lydia Higgs
LYDIA HIGGS, 31 / Genetic Counselor II, Carilion Clinic High Risk Genetics Program
After earning her M.S. degree in Genetic Counseling from Arcadia University (with distinction) and her board certification, Lydia Higgs became one of the first licensed certified genetic counselors in Virginia when the state began licensing the profession in 2017. Higgs is also a faculty instructor at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and co-authored two papers published in the leading peer-reviewed professional journal for genetic counselors. She is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts, a member of the Junior League of the Roanoke Valley and is a volunteer speaker at the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School, encouraging those interested in her field to keep learning. “By bringing this information into our community and educating people about the field, I hope to help others live a more informed and healthful life and inspire the next generation of providers to embrace genetics as a resource,” she says.
- Earned B.S. degree in Biology from William & Mary
- Earned a M.S. degree in Genetic Counseling from Arcadia University, with distinction
- Earned Board Certification in genetic counseling
- A Lifetime Member of the Girl Scouts
- A member of the Junior League of the Roanoke Valley
- Volunteer speaker at the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School
- Judge for the annual RVGS Project Forum
- Presents an annual lecture on genetics and genomics at the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences Physician’s Assistant Program at Mary Baldwin University
- Licensed Certified Genetic Counselor, Carilion Clinic High Risk Genetics Program, 2017-
- Member, Carilion Clinic Cancer Committee, 2018-
- Certified Genetic Counselor, Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center, University of Virginia, 2015-2017.
- Virginia Association of Genetic Counselors President, 2019-2021
- Co-Chair, Bylaws and Public Policy committee, 2019-2021
- Co-Chair, State Meeting and Education Committee, 2018 and 2019
- Western Region Representative 2016-2019
- National Society of Genetic Counselors Member, 2015-present
- Member, Cancer Special Interest Group, 2015-present
- Member, Webinar Subcommittee, 2017-2018
- Faculty Instructor, genetics, oncology, and ethics, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
- Virginia Teaching Certificate, Virginia Department of Education, Secondary Education, Biology & Chemistry, 2010-2020
- Co-Author, “Cases and evidence for panel testing in cancer genetics: Is site-specific testing dead?” Journal of Genetic Counseling, February 2019
- Co-Author, “Professional Issues of International Genetic Counseling Students Educated in the United States,” Journal of Genetic Counseling, March 2016
- Presentation: “The Development of Visual Aids for Genetic Counseling About Multi-Gene Hereditary Breast Cancer Panels,” National Society of Genetic Counselors, Annual Education Conference, October 2015
- Presented with the Genetic Counseling Distinguished Student Award at Arcadia University upon her graduation in April 2015
- Congressional Award Gold Medal, United States Congress, 2005
- Girl Scout Gold Award, Girl Scouts of the United States of America, 2005
- Girl Scout Silver Award, Girl Scouts of the United States of America, 2002
- ABCD Award (Above and Beyond the Call of Duty), Junior League of Roanoke Valley, 2019
From the Nomination: “After graduating from Patrick Henry and the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School, Lydia Higgs attended and graduated from William & Mary with a B.S. degree in Biology. She taught chemistry, biology and AP biology at Jamestown High School in Williamsburg for three years, then attended graduate school at Arcadia University, where she earned a M.S. degree in Genetic Counseling, with distinction, and earned Board Certification in genetic counseling. Higgs developed a set of visual aids that are now used nationally to explain multi-gene hereditary breast cancer to patients, and delivered a professional presentation to the National Association of Genetic Counselors. ... She meets many clients at very difficult times in their lives… she learns what their unique concerns are, and ensures that she addresses those questions. Higgs often says that every day in her job is unique because she gets to do her job differently for each client. Lydia's professional goal is to provide personalized care for every client, and ongoing support for those who need it. … Through it all, Higgs approaches her professional career, her community activities, and indeed her life, with unfailing enthusiasm and humor. She does not let hard work daunt or overwhelm her. She approaches new situations with certainty that she can accomplish them through hard work. In addition to her work ethic, though, she is a friend to everyone, which also helps to explain her recognition by her peers as the current President of the Virginia Association of Genetic Counselors, and her leadership positions in many of the organizations she has participated in over the years.”
What do you love about Roanoke?
Higgs: “Though I grew up here, I lived away from Roanoke for a number of years. When I moved back, I was so excited to see the changes Roanoke was making. I have been incredibly impressed and inspired by the diversity of our community and the opportunities available here. Our city has grown so much and has such vision for the future that it’s easy to want to help move the needle forward.”