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GENETIC COUNSELING Careers in Psychology Florida State University 02 April 2009 Kimberly Guthrie, MS
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Transcript of C:\Documents And Settings\R Gaines\Desktop\Grad School\Engl 613\Final\Genetic Counseling Ppt
GENETIC COUNSELING
Careers in PsychologyFlorida State University
02 April 2009
Kimberly Guthrie, MS
SUMMARY What does a genetic counselor do? What are the demographics of a genetic
counselor? How does one become a genetic
counselor? Where can I find more information
about pursuing a career in genetic counseling?
WHO ARE GENETIC COUNSELORS?Genetic counselors are health
professionals with specialized graduate degrees and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counseling.
Most enter the field from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health and social work. (NSGC 1983)
WHAT DO GENETIC COUNSELORS DO?Provide information and support
to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions.
Identify families at risk, investigate the problem present, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence and review available options with the family.
SPECIALTIES
The majority of genetic counselors practice in the following areas of specialty: Prenatal Pediatric Cancer Genetics
PRENATAL GC EXAMPLEMs. Roberts is a 28 year old woman. She is 17 weeks pregnant and this is her first pregnancy. She has a routine blood test at her OB’s office. She is told that it screens for Down syndrome and some other conditions. A week after the test ,she receives a call from the nurse saying she came back “screen positive” for trisomy 18. The nurse tells her the chance her baby has trisomy 18 is 1 in 100. She is referred to a genetic counselor.
ROLE OF PRENATAL GCReview results of screening testObtain pregnancy and family
historyExplain the cause and features of
trisomy 18Discuss further testing optionsFacilitate decision makingFollow-up with further testing
resultsUse counseling skills to help
patient cope with test results
PEDIATRIC GC EXAMPLEEmily is a 2 year old girl who was born with profound hearing loss. She is the only individual in her family with hearing loss. She was recently evaluated by an ENT to consider cochlear implants. The ENT recommended that she have a Genetics evaluation to understand the cause of her hearing loss.
ROLE OF PEDIATRIC GC Work closely with a medical geneticist Review medical records Obtain pregnancy, medical and family
history Discuss known causes of hearing loss Discuss testing options Coordinate testing Counsel regarding test results and
recurrence risk Provide written information Identify appropriate community
resources
CANCER GC EXAMPLEMary is a 48 year old woman who is referred to a genetic counselor because her sister was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 52. Her father and paternal grandmother were also diagnosed with breast cancer at ages 58 and 45 respectively. Mary tells you her sister has a mutation in the BRCA2 gene.
ROLE OF CANCER GC Obtain medical records and relative’s
test results as appropriate Obtain family and medical history Pedigree analysis Discuss features and genetics of
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Discuss risks and benefits of genetic
testing Review cancer risks and options for risk
reduction Arrange for testing if desired and
follow-up counseling
WHERE DO GCS WORK?Majority of genetic counselors
work at: University medical centers Private or public hospitals
Some genetic counselors: Work in laboratories Coordinate research studies Are employed by the state Work in private industry
WHERE ARE GC JOBS LOCATED?
NSGC 2008 Professional Status Survey
SALARY
NSGC 2008 Professional Status Survey
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
www.abgc.net
UNDERGRADUATE COURSEWORK Each program has its own requirements
Check multiple program web sites for more information
Prerequisite coursework typically includes: One year of general biology One year of general chemistry One semester of biochemistry One semester of genetics One semester of statistics
In general, successful applicants have a minimum GPA of 3.0
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Volunteer experience
Crisis counseling hotlines and Planned Parenthood
Experience working with individuals with special needs
Shadow a genetic counselor NSGC – Find a counselor (www.nsgc.org)
GRE GRE scores at and above 70 th percentile
range are considered competitive Some programs require GRE specialty
exams as well Three letters of recommendation Personal statement
APPLICATION PROCESSDecember/January
Submit complete application and supporting documentation
March/April Interviews
May Decision time
GRADUATE SCHOOLGraduate courseworkClinical InternshipsThesis
RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION American Board of Genetic Counseling
www.abgc.net Accredits genetic counseling training
programs and administers certification for genetic counselors
Has links to all training program websites National Society of Genetic Counselors
(NSGC) www.nsgc.org Professional Society Has information on how to find a GC near
you Has information about genetic counseling
as a career
