Joy Gustin, CGC

What I Do

I help my patients, and their families, understand medical and genetic information to help them make informed choices about their health care. I support my patients in their decisions, and I am here as a resource as they move forward.

Through the years, I have enjoyed working with patients with preconception, prenatal, pediatric and adult concerns. I also have a true passion for working with patients and families with cancer. Approximately 5-10 percent of cancers are inherited, and another 20-30 percent of cancers are known to cluster in families. It is important that these families be recognized by health care providers as more aggressive cancer screening is needed, and for some families, there are ways to reduce the risk for cancer. 

Why I Love My Work

Genetics play an important role in all aspects of our health. When I entered graduate school, I thought I would be working with patients and families affected by classic conditions such as Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and muscular dystrophy. During my training and in the years since, we have learned much more about how genetics play a role in common conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. I appreciate that the field of genetics overlaps with all other medical specialties and can help people at various ages and stages of life.

My love for Minnesota certainly factored into my decision to join CentraCare. CentraCare also has a network of primary and specialty care providers and that allows me to see a variety of patients at different life stages. CentraCare understands that genetic factors impact all areas of health and recognizing those factors can improve patient care and the health of our community.