Genetic counselors provide education and guidance to patients and families about genetic disorders, including diagnosis, treatment options, and family planning. They act as a liaison between doctors and patients, and stay up-to-date on the latest research and clinical techniques. To become a genetics counselor, a master’s degree and regional licensure are typically required.
A genetics counselor is a licensed health care professional who provides specialized education to patients and families about genetic disorders. When a patient is diagnosed with a genetic condition, the counselor can explain the details of the disease’s pathology, prognosis, symptom management techniques, and treatment options. He or she can also provide guidance for parents who are at risk of passing on a disorder to their child. Genetic counselors help people understand their conditions, find support and make smart family planning decisions. Most professionals work in allied health centers and general hospitals, although some genetic counselors are independent consultants and clinical researchers.
An experienced genetic counselor can act as a liaison between the doctor and the patient. He or she helps the patient understand the diagnosis and determine what needs to happen next. The counselor can document the patient’s concerns and questions and relay them directly to the physician. In addition, a counselor can arrange meetings with social workers, psychologists, government assistance programs, and provide other important resources for patients and their families to help them through difficult times.
Many couples who have a family history of hereditary disorders seek the services of a genetics counselor before trying to conceive. The counselor can carefully review your family trees, explain inheritance patterns, and request that painless genetic testing be performed on each partner. He or she reviews the test results and realistically explains the likelihood of passing a certain trait on to offspring. The couple can then make an informed decision about having a child and accept the risks or decide to adopt.
The field of genetic research is constantly advancing. It is important for a genetics counselor to stay current on the latest developments in research and clinical techniques in order to provide their patients with the most accurate information. Practitioners regularly read the journals and talk to clinicians, researchers, and other advisors to ensure their information is up-to-date. A genetics counselor needs to understand complex elements of biology, medicine and psychology and be able to present facts to patients in a clear and easy to understand way.
Requirements to become a genetics counselor can vary in different countries and regions, but most workers need to have a master’s degree or higher in the specialty. After graduating, a new counselor is typically required to participate in at least one year of supervised practice and pass a written exam for regional licensure. A genetics counselor who has the appropriate credentials and successfully completes training can begin work independently in hospitals, clinics or private practices.
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