Genetic Counselors

Key Responsibilities

• Collect for, or share with, research projects patient data on specific genetic disorders or syndromes.
• Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
• Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
• Evaluate or make recommendations for standards of care or clinical operations, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, ethics, legislation, or policies.
• Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in genetics.
• Explain diagnostic procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS), ultrasound, fetal blood sampling, and amniocentesis.
• Refer patients to specialists or community resources.
• Engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics or genetic counseling.
• Design and conduct genetics training programs for physicians, graduate students, other health professions or the general community.
• Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
• Identify funding sources and write grant proposals for eligible programs or services.
• Assess patients' psychological or emotional needs, such as those relating to stress, fear of test results, financial issues, and marital conflicts to make referral recommendations or assist patients in managing test outcomes.
• Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
• Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
• Determine or coordinate treatment plans by requesting laboratory services, reviewing genetics or counseling literature, and considering histories or diagnostic data.
• Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
• Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
• Prepare or provide genetics-related educational materials to patients or medical personnel.