Experienced patient advocate specializing in hereditary cancer syndromes, particularly Lynch syndrome. Launched a successful social media campaign and founded a nonprofit to enhance advocacy efforts. Contributed to publications such as the Centers for Disease Control and Cure Magazine, and authored articles for academic journals, advancing knowledge of hereditary cancer risks.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Writer
Curetoday.com
01.2015 - Current
Focused on hereditary cancer syndromes, genetic testing, cancer prevention, and prophylactic surgeries, applied SEO strategies to increase visibility through targeted keywords and reputable backlinks.
Contribute regularly to leading cancer publication, bridging scientific knowledge with accessible narratives to enhance public understanding of cancer.
Met article deadlines, promoted works across diverse social media platforms to broaden audience engagement.
Creative Director and Content Creator
My Gene Counsel
06.2020 - 06.2021
Raised the company's credibility as an expert in genetic counseling and interpreting genetic test results.
Spearheaded social media campaigns across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, significantly boosting My Gene Counsel's visibility and follower engagement.
Synthesized complex genetic information to create engaging, high-quality social media content that enhanced audience understanding.
Oversaw social media planning to execute marketing strategies and manage community interactions.
Implement a content editorial calendar to manage content and plan specific, timely campaigns around the company's actions and activities.
Monitored and responded to comments and direct messages on social media platforms to foster community interaction.
Developed and nurtured influencer connections through targeted outreach to enhance brand collaborations.
Edited photos, designed banners on Canva, and maintained consistent branding across social media platforms.
My Gene Counsel produces digital genetic counseling reports for patients and providers to keep you up-to-date on specific genetic mutations.
Stakeholder
The National Academy of Sciences
01.2016 - 01.2019
Collaborated with stakeholders to advance genomics, enhancing population health initiatives through strategic partnerships.
Conducted research and identified opportunities, challenges, and best practices to develop framework for improving population health and disease prevention.
Developed tools and resources at public health care interface, supporting efforts to save lives and prevent cancer for individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes.
Work within a team to write academic papers for journal publication for academic journals such as Nature and Health Affairs.
Creator, Director, and Digital Marketing Manager
#GenCSM
01.2015 - 01.2018
Created #GenCSM, the social media medical hashtag, a well-respected hashtag for medical information surrounding hereditary cancer syndromes.
#GenCSM integrated into cancer tag ontology on Twitter, gaining frequent use by major medical institutions, genetic testing companies, and patient advocates.
Created and utilized hashtag for fundraising efforts for Lynch syndrome nonprofit, securing sponsorships from major genetic testing companies like Invitae.
Promoted #GenCSM across social media platforms, increasing visibility among target audiences.
Identified and contacted special guests for #GenCSM, providing personalized Twitter tutorials to enhance engagement.
Wrote and edited transcripts, created logo, designed banner, and conducted social media outreach to boost engagement.
Director, Content Creator, Blog Writer, Social Media Manager, Patient Advocate, and Fundraiser
Lynch Syndrome Nonprofit
Evanston, IL
01.2012 - 01.2018
My impactful work has afforded me opportunities to write for The Centers for Disease Control, various genetic testing websites, blogs, academic journals, and books.
Wrote SEO-optimized blog posts, enhancing website visibility through strategic use of high-quality backlinks.
Develop social media campaigns across multiple platforms, drive website traffic, improve search engine optimization, and compile analytics.
Developed social outreach and strategic plans, increasing global awareness of Lynch syndrome among targeted audiences.
Built community within hereditary cancer realm by connecting advocates and nonprofits on social media while staying informed on genetic cancer syndrome developments.
Partnered with a nonprofit to amplify awareness of Lynch syndrome, engaging diverse stakeholders in the hereditary cancer community.
Education
Masters -
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Bachelors of Science -
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Editing Courses -
University of Chicago Graham School
Chicago, IL
Social Media Marketing Certificate -
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
Skills
Marketing strategy
Content strategy
Search engine optimization
Marketing strategy
Social media management
Social media engagement
Scientific writing
Information analysis
Social media engagement
Published Works
Cure Magazine, multiple articles
CDC: Living with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome and Lynch Syndrome
Www.aboutgeneticcounselors.org: Importance of Genetic Counseling With Genetic Testing
Nature: Proposed Outcomes Measures for State Public Health Genomic Programs
Health Affairs: Delivery Of Cascade Screening For Hereditary Conditions: A Scoping Review Of The Literature
Book. Resurrection Lily: The BRCA Gene, Hereditary Cancer & Lifesaving Whispers from the Grandmother I Never Knew by Amy Byer Shainman, 2019. Hurst reviewed and edited the content for the book and wrote the section about Lynch syndrome.
Book. Reimagining Men's Cancers: The Celebrity Diagnosis' Guide to Personalized Treatment and Prevention and Reimagining Women's Cancers: The Celebrity Diagnosis' Guide to Personalized Treatment and Prevention by Mark Boguski, MD Ph.D., Michele Berman, MD, and David Tabatsky, 2016. Hurst reviewed, edited, and created content for the hereditary cancer section.
Timeline
Creative Director and Content Creator
My Gene Counsel
06.2020 - 06.2021
Stakeholder
The National Academy of Sciences
01.2016 - 01.2019
Freelance Writer
Curetoday.com
01.2015 - Current
Creator, Director, and Digital Marketing Manager
#GenCSM
01.2015 - 01.2018
Director, Content Creator, Blog Writer, Social Media Manager, Patient Advocate, and Fundraiser