What Does it Take to Be a Genetic Counselor?
Job Description: Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decision-making and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.
Life As a Genetic Counselor
- Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
- Refer patients to specialists or community resources.
- Prepare or provide genetics-related educational materials to patients or medical personnel.
- Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in genetics.
- Engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics or genetic counseling.
Below is a list of the skills most Genetic Counselors say are important on the job:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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