2021 Careers in Medical Genetics-Genetic Counseling-Andrea-Schelhaas-ACMG-2021

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Andrea Skelhaus, a genetic counselor at Nemours A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children, explains the role of genetic counselors and how to become one. Genetic counselors provide advanced medical genetics and counseling training. They help explain genetic risks based on family history, support individuals in processing the implications of a genetic diagnosis, connect families to support resources, assist with genetic testing decisions, and develop personalized medical plans. Genetic counselors work in various settings, including prenatal, pediatric, and cancer genetics, as well as specialties like cardiology and neurology. The process of becoming a genetic counselor involves obtaining a bachelor's degree, taking specific coursework, gaining advocacy experience, shadowing, taking the GRE, applying to genetic counseling programs, and completing clinical experience and research opportunities. Andrea Skelhaus shares her own journey of becoming a genetic counselor, her personal connection to genetics, and her work in the skeletal dysplasia program at Nemours A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children. She supports families in understanding and managing skeletal dysplasia diagnoses, connects them to support organizations, and contributes to research. Audience members can ask Andrea questions and learn more about her experiences as a genetic counselor.

Keywords

genetic counselor

medical genetics

family history

genetic testing decisions

skeletal dysplasia program