LGBTQ+ Council spotlight: Brad Rolf

Recognition, dignity, and respect

Brad Rolf, MS, CGC, is a faculty member in the Division of Medical Genetics and an active and enthusiastic member of the Department of Medicine LGBTQ+ Council.

“Representation is important. I am able to live openly and freely as a gay man because many who came before me advocated for recognition, dignity, and respect," Brad said.

"I joined the UW DOM LGBTQ+ Council to work on initiatives that will help others see how they are welcomed, included, and celebrated at UW Medicine.”

Bio

After earning his bachelor’s degree in biology from Baylor University, Brad worked for the Texas Department of State Health Services Laboratory. It was during this time that he discovered the profession of genetic counseling, which prompted him to complete his master’s degree in genetic counseling at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.

Before arriving at the University of Washington, he worked primarily as a research genetic counselor. In this role he coordinated the genetics study of the Therapeutic Pipeline Project, a research project aimed at determining the efficacy of whole-exome sequencing for inherited forms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. He also worked on one of the Clinical Sequencing Evidence-Generating Research consortium projects that focused on delivering genetic testing and genetic counseling services for inherited cancer risk to underserved populations.

Brad joined the staff of the Genetic Medicine Clinic at UW in 2013, where he worked with adult patients affected by inherited conditions. After a few years, he transitioned into a clinical research role before joining the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program as associate program director.

Brad teaches Genetic Counseling Theory and Practice I, II, and III; and Principles of Human and Medical Genetics for the GCGP. His research interests include polygenic risk, genetic counseling education and genetic counseling for patients who identify as LGBTQ.