Genetic Counselor Awareness Day

A year ago I wrote a post in honor of Genetic Counselor Awareness Day. Genetic counselors spend a lot of time explaining what they do, but that’s not a complaint. The effort is worth it!

Genetic counselors have advanced degrees and training that make them specially equipped to work with anyone with questions about family history, personal medical history, or DNA testing in general. You might learn confusing or shocking information or just need a little help clarifying what you already know. When any of the above happens, it’s time to call upon a certified genetic counselor!

AT THE MOST BASIC LEVEL, GENETIC COUNSELORS HELP OTHER PEOPLE UNDERSTAND DNA.

It takes a little human touch with an understanding of psychology, ethics, and the ever-expanding uses of genetics, genomics, and DNA testing. Genetic counselors have expanded around the world and into all niches—cancer genetics, medical education, prenatal diagnosis, IVF/assisted reproduction, cardiovascular disease, genetics of pharmaceutical therapies, at-home DNA testing, and ancestry testing...the list goes on.

Do you know a genetic counselor? Maybe you are one or are interested in becoming one! There is a lot to learn this month. November is a busy one—the Annual Conference of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (virtual this year), Family Health History Day, and GC Awareness Day all converge.