Member Spotlight: Shelly Zelnick
Introducing Shelly Zelnick!
When the Texas Transcript team heard that TCH had recently added a GC in the Immunology space, we wanted to know more! Read on to learn about Shelly Zelnick!
Tell us about the path to your current role.
I graduated in 2022 from the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. I currently live in Houston, Texas where I work for Baylor College of Medicine at Texas Children’s Hospital in the Division of Allergy and Immunology.
What part of your job gets you excited to get out of bed in the morning?
My colleagues and my patients. I am lucky to work in the division that was founded by Dr. William T. Shearer, the physician who treated David Vetter “bubble boy”, one of the most well-documented cases of SCID. On my first day of work, I stepped into a legacy, and that has been very special to be a part of.
What's been a good learning experience in your career path or journey?
One of the best learning experiences I have had thus far is to not be afraid to jump into something new. When I began, I can’t say I would have considered myself an expert in immunogenetics. However, starting in this field has been extremely rewarding. I learn something new every single day.
Can you tell us more about your unique specialty and what you'd like other GCs to know about immunogenetics?
Our clinic is intended to facilitate genetic testing and counseling for pediatric patients with suspected genetic errors of immunity. The patients might come from primary care providers, subspecialists, or even other allergy/immunology providers, and we have the capacity to evaluate patients from all over the state of Texas. In general, patients are suspected of having an inherent (not secondary) immune disorder by clinical presentation or laboratory testing. The clinical presentation can vary largely. Some patients might have recurrent infections, while others might have autoinflammatory or hyperinflammatory diseases. The IUIS (International Union of Immunological Societies) has 10 phenotypic categories, and as long as the patient fits into one of the 10 categories, we have a list of genes to consider. Through this process, we hope to elucidate genetic etiologies for disease in patients who are referred.
Dr. William T. Shearer with his patient, David Vetter.
What's one thing you'd like to share with the TSGC community?
If you ever experience doubt, remember that you are the bright spot in the lives of many patients’ genetic odyssey. There are millions of patients and only a few thousand genetic counselors. Whether a clinical, lab, or industry GC, YOU make a significant contribution to healthcare.
Outside of your career, what brings you joy?
Outside of my career, I love to spend time with my family, friends, and dog, Nala. One of my most relaxing pastimes includes walking around Hermann Park with Nala. I usually have a coffee in hand and listen to mystery audiobooks.
What genetic syndrome do you find most fascinating and why?
I am very interested in Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID). 40 years ago, David Vetter lived in a confined space due to the lack of an immune system. Today, with the implementation of the SCID newborn screen and proper treatment, kids can live a full life. It’s the perfect example of why genetic testing and research is so important.
Tell us about a recent experience that made you feel grateful to be a genetic counselor.
Our division recently underwent the process of hiring a new Immunologist. I encountered an interviewee who stated they could never feel comfortable working somewhere without a genetic counselor onboard. They discussed that while it is simple to order genetic testing, it can often be daunting to explain genetic results to a patient. I felt very grateful to have received my training in genetics to help other health professionals whenever genetic testing gets to be intimidating.