Katja Novak
Clinical Geneticist in Training
My name is Katja Novak, a clinical genetics resident from Slovenia. As part of my residency training, I spent two months at the Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine (MCGM) as part of my international clinical rotation, a highly encouraged component of training in Slovenia.
Settling into a foreign country and department can be both exciting and stressful, but I immediately felt at ease thanks to the kindness and warmth of everyone at MCGM. The team’s welcoming attitude and willingness to help ensured I could integrate smoothly and make the most of my rotation.
During my observership, I had the opportunity to attend clinics across various subspecialties of genetics. These included general genetic consultations as well as highly specialized services, many of which employed a multidisciplinary approach. I observed diagnostic processes, genetic counselling sessions, and research discussions, all of which provided me with invaluable insights into the practice of clinical genetics in the UK.
The integration of clinical expertise and research at MCGM demonstrated how these domains can work in synergy to advance patient outcomes. One of the highlights for me was participating in multidisciplinary meetings that brought together specialists from diverse fields. Hearing their collaborative discussions on complex cases was inspiring and showcased the power of teamwork in delivering patient-centred care.
My heartfelt thanks go to everyone at MCGM for making my time in Manchester so memorable. This observership has given me a deeper appreciation for the collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of our field. The knowledge and insights I have gained here will undoubtedly influence my practice and shape my career. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn from such a dedicated and accomplished team and for the warm and supportive environment they provided.