TALIA RACHEL DONENBERG
Miami Beach,FL
Summary
Experienced clinical genetics specialist with a strong focus in germline and somatic oncology diagnostics, counseling, variant interpretation. Demonstrated expertise applying ACMG/AMP guidelines and integrating genomic insights into oncology prevention and diagnostics. Seeking to contribute to precision oncology through a Clinical Genomics Scientist role in industry.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Genetic Counselor III
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
01.2011 - 01.2025
- Counseled thousands of patients and family members for all hereditary cancer
- Initiated and built multi-disciplinary genetics clinics in Gynecologic Oncology, Gastroenterology, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
- Supported design of institutional hereditary cancer panel, including variant interpretation, reporting, and billing and reimbursement approaches.
- Participated in weekly site disease tumor boards and precision oncology tumor boards to integrate molecular findings into patient management.
- Supported billing and laboratory reimbursement for WGS hereditary cancer panel.
Caribbean Cancer Genomics Initiative
University of Miami
01.2011 - 01.2018
- Formed collaboration for multi-site research project on inherited cancer in underserved populations in Bahamas and 5 additional Island Nations.
- Enrolled >1,000 participants in breast and ovarian cancer research study in the Caribbean. Oversaw pedigree analysis, genetic counseling, cascade testing, long term management, interpretation of BRCA and other breast cancer gene founder variants
- Team published 10+ manuscripts including 4 first authorships on cancer founder mutations and disparities in testing.
Senior Research Associate/Genetic Counselor & Program Co-Founder
University of Miami, Gynecologic Oncology Division
01.2000 - 01.2011
- Co-founded first multidisciplinary hereditary cancer clinics at Sylvester Cancer Center and Jackson Health System.
- Built and maintained interactive clinical-genomic database
- Promoted program within Florida and international community
Genetic Counselor & Program Developer
Cancer Research Network
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Created and implemented community-based cancer risk genetic testing program.
- Designed high-risk screening protocols and recruited participants for national studies.
Genetic Counselor
Genzyme Genetics
01.1994 - 01.1998
- Provided clinical genetic counseling and result interpretation for adult, prenatal and pediatric genetics
- Laboratory liaison for physicians and reference labs in Florida and Puerto Rico
Education
Graduate Certificate - Genomic Counseling & Variant Interpretation
University of British Columbia
01.2024
M.S. - Human Genetics
Sarah Lawrence College
01.1993
B.A. - undefined
Barnard College
01.1989
Skills
- Variant Interpretation and Genomic Tools: NGS interpretation, variant classification, curation pipelines, database management, ACMG/AMP criteria, ClinVar, LOVD, gnomAD, COSMIC, UCSC and others
- Precision Medicine: Tumor board consultation, integration of genomics in prevention and treatment planning
- Population Genomics: Founder variants, disparities in access to testing, community genomics
- Scientific Communication: Authoring clinical reports, academic publications, professional education
- Compliance & Protocols: CLIA/CAP, CITI certification, HIPAA, OSHA, IRB standards, payer reimbursement strategy
Certification
- American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC), Certified through 2026
- Florida Licensed Genetic Counselor (#GC159), Valid through 2025
Languages
English: Native fluency
Spanish: Professional counseling, lecturing and training
Affiliations
- National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) – Cancer SIG, Pediatric Cancer subcommittee, Hematologic Cancer subcommittee
- Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited GI Cancer
- Florida Association of Genetic Counselors (FLAGC)
- Previous: AACR, ASHG
Training
- Mentored, trained and evaluated >10 Genetic counseling students
- Mentored rotations: Numerous medical students, residents, medical fellows, PhD students
Grants & Funding
- Co-Investigator on Susan G. Komen for the Cure (total $879,000), Sylvester Cancer Center ($50,000) and Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)($50,000)
- Principal Investigator- Susan G. Komen for the Cure Community grants to expand breast cancer genetic counseling and testing at Jackson Health System ($417,500)
- Responsibilities included study design, accrual, genetic counseling, variant interpretation, infrastructure building, and equity-centered implementation.
Service
- Genetic Counselor Advisory Group – Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association
- Southeast Regional Advisory Board – Sharsheret
- Member, Commission on Cancer. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center 2013-2024
- Contributor to Center of Excellence applications, PolicyStat
Invited Talks & Scientific Leadership
- Invited faculty at FLASCO, NSGC-Florida, FMA, William A. Little Society, ASPHO on clinical cancer genetics, variant interpretation and health equity.
- Invited lecturer in Central, South America and Caribbean on Hereditary Cancer risk assessment and genetic test implementation and ethnic founder mutations.
- Core curriculum lectures to trainees/students in Surgical Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, Medical Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Schools, Physician Assistant programs
- >50 Community based talks: Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Sharsheret, Gilda’s Club, Florida Cancer Community, Day of Caring, University of Miami-Wellness programs, numerous Synagogues, Churches
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
RemoteImportant To Me
Company CultureCareer advancementFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsTimeline
Genetic Counselor III
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
01.2011 - 01.2025
Caribbean Cancer Genomics Initiative
University of Miami
01.2011 - 01.2018
Senior Research Associate/Genetic Counselor & Program Co-Founder
University of Miami, Gynecologic Oncology Division
01.2000 - 01.2011
Genetic Counselor & Program Developer
Cancer Research Network
01.1998 - 01.2000
Genetic Counselor
Genzyme Genetics
01.1994 - 01.1998
Graduate Certificate - Genomic Counseling & Variant Interpretation
University of British Columbia
M.S. - Human Genetics
Sarah Lawrence College
B.A. - undefined
Barnard College
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