Maria J. Baker, LCGC, PhD, FACMG

Dr. Maria J. Baker received her Master's degree in Genetic Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health in 1985 and her Doctoral degree in Genetics from the Penn State University College of Medicine in 1991. She is a diplomat of both the American Board of Medical Genetics and the American Board of Genetic Counseling with dual certification as a Master's trained genetic counselor and a Ph.D. medical geneticist.
 
Dr. Baker developed and coordinates the Penn State Hershey Cancer Genetics Program. She provides genetic counseling services to individuals who are concerned about a personal and/or family history of cancer. Clinical, as well as research-based, genetic testing is offered when appropriate based on the personal and/or family history of cancer.  In addition, various cancer risk management strategies are discussed, including enhanced surveillance, positive lifestyle changes, chemoprevention, as well as the option of prophylactic surgery, to manage one's personal risk for cancer. Dr. Baker also provides lectures to medical students, graduate students, and various physician and nurse professionals, as well as numerous organizations within the community.