How do they match: Genetic Counselors

  • Genetic Counseling Medical Specialist
  • Prenatal and Pediatric Genetic Counselor

  • 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 decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

  • Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
  • 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.
  • Collect for, or share with, research projects patient data on specific genetic disorders or syndromes.
  • Determine or coordinate treatment plans by requesting laboratory services, reviewing genetics or counseling literature, and considering histories or diagnostic data.
  • Engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics or genetic counseling.
  • Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
  • Prepare or provide genetics-related educational materials to patients or medical personnel.
  • Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
  • Refer patients to specialists or community resources.