![]() As defined by the National Society of Genetic Counselors in the US (NSGC, 2006), “Genetic counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. Global expansion of genetic counseling in the early 1990’s led to the transition from genetic counseling being solely provided as part of the role of medical physicians (often, but not always medical geneticists) towards an international allied health profession dealing with inherited conditions. While the service of genetic counseling was in existence much earlier, the profession of genetic counseling (called genetic counselling in many countries, but shortened in this paper for consistency) began in the United States (US) in 1969, approaching 50 years ago. When you do not have it, you do not realize you are missing it, but when you have it, you cannot live without it!” (paraphrased from a French Geneticist, as presented at TAGC 2016 by E. ![]() “A genetic counselor is like air conditioning. Charlotta Ingvoldstad Malmgren 14, 15, 16, 17,.They work as teachers in high schools, colleges and universities as researchers who explore and find solutions for unanswered questions in genetics as consultants for pharmaceutical companies or in private practice.The Global State of the Genetic Counseling Profession They work with patients and families, and also work in public health settings to improve access to services and determine public policy. Genetic counselors working in clinical settings, such as hospitals or doctor’s offices, see people in a variety of different areas including prenatal, pediatrics, adult/general, cancer, and a number of specialty areas including metabolism, cardiology, and neurology. Genetic counselors work in a variety of clinical, laboratory, and research settings, such as hospitals, doctor’s offices, genetic testing laboratories, research studies, public health, insurance companies, and many other areas of health care. What is the workplace of a Genetic Counselor like? Some of them are also social, meaning they’re kind, generous, cooperative, patient, caring, helpful, empathetic, tactful, and friendly.ĭoes this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if genetic counselor is one of your top career matches. They are curious, methodical, rational, analytical, and logical. They tend to be investigative individuals, which means they’re intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. Genetic counselors have distinct personalities. Are you suited to be a genetic counselor? This is one of the few medical professions that includes extensive training both in the science and the psychological impact of healthcare on patients. Genetic counselors also provide emotional support to individuals and families during what can be a challenging and confusing time. Most genetic disorders involve lifelong care, and genetic counselors often coordinate a patient's care amongst several specialties and support them across their lifespan. However, there are situations when the patient must make their own decisions regarding their medical and/or pregnancy care as a result of their genetic testing. There are instances when genetic counselors are in a position to help patients decide what the appropriate next steps are. ![]() Genetic counselors have the expertise to ensure the appropriate tests are ordered, and will meet with the patient once the test results come back. Genetic testing can be complex, and technological advances in testing are making the choices even more difficult. ![]() Genetic counselors will explain how a condition may occur or reoccur, and will go over the details of a specific issue, and what tests are available to the patient. They take a full family history, ask about birth defects, genetic diseases, intellectual disabilities, autism, and any other significant medical diagnoses. Genetic counselors spend a large part of their day meeting with their patients. Other individuals have a strong family history of cancer or some other genetic disease, or are pregnant and have an ultrasound abnormality or an abnormal blood testing. Some individuals want to determine if they have a genetic disease. Patients are referred to a genetics counselor for a wide variety of reasons. Genetic counselors are specialists, which means that they work with a patient’s health care provider as a part of a patient’s complete care. What is the workplace of a Genetic Counselor like?. ![]()
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