Genetic Counselors - Who Are They and What Do They Do?

Once a year, we celebrate Genetic Counselor Awareness Day! That day is upon us!

WHAT’S A GENETIC COUNSELOR?

Genetic counselors are people who have advanced degrees in science (the degree is called a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling). The coursework to become a GC includes training in counseling skills and advanced genetics (understanding genetic inheritance, medical genetics, other applications of DNA in human sciences). Genetic counselors sit for a certification exam and maintain their credentials by meeting requirements for ongoing education. In some US states, genetic counselors must obtain a special license to practice.

Traditional definitions of a genetic counselor don’t incorporate all that the genetic counselors of today do (like me!), so I’ve begun to simplify my explanation for clarity. Genetic counselor help teach and support people with DNA questions. Even more simply put, we help! Genetic counselors do lots of different things, but we all do this!

There are a bunch of podcasts that can introduce you to the world of genetic counselors. Here is one in particular (Extreme Genes) in which I spoke with the host Fisher about what I do specifically in my work specializing in the area of ancestry testing.

There are also articles like these:

https://www.nsgc.org/About/About-Genetic-Counselors

https://www.abgc.net/about-genetic-counseling/

https://www.abgc.net/for-diplomates/

Genetic counselors just crossed a threshold of 5,000 members in the United States! It’s a rapidly growing profession with new training programs opening every year. It’s a profession that has recently been making it’s way onto “top jobs” lists like this one by US News and World report!

Being a genetic counselor is high-stress as people are making decisions on their healthcare and figuring out family surprises. There is no room for error and mistakes with such sensitive and life-changing information needing to be communicated. Burnout happens, and having been close to leaving the profession at one point myself before finding renewed passion, I am one of the biggest cheerleaders for other GCs that you’ll find.

#IamaGeneticCounselor (and proud)! Happy GC awareness day to my friends and colleagues out there!