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Join us on Nov. 13, in celebration of Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day! Genetic counselors (GCs) are licensed and board-certified healthcare providers who practice in many different specialty areas, providing clinical care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. In addition to clinical care, genetic counselors also work in research, education, and industry. The profession of genetic counseling began 50 years ago, and currently more than 7,000 GCs practice in the United States. The genetic counseling profession has grown by over 100% in the last ten years and is expected to grow another 100% in the next decade to meet the rapidly growing demand for genetic services. Sixteen genetic counselors currently work at UVA Health, practicing in cancer, cardiovascular, neurology, pediatrics/general genetics, and prenatal settings.

Genetic counselors have specialized education in both medical genetics and psychosocial counseling and are collaborative members of an individual’s healthcare team. Genetic counselors fill a crucial role in healthcare — identifying key information and assessing risk based upon an individual’s personal and family health history, helping patients better understand the genetic testing process, ensuring informed consent and navigating the complexities of possible results, and supporting individuals and families upon receiving a genetic diagnosis. As healthcare moves toward personalization, genetic testing is more frequently being requested from patients and providers in all areas of medicine. Genetic testing may help to elucidate an underlying cause for disease, illuminate potential health risks for patients and family members, inform medical management/treatment, and connect patients and families facing a rare disease with resources and community. In addition, genetic testing results are increasingly being used to guide selection of targeted treatments and determine eligibility for gene therapy and/or clinical trials. GCs are valuable members of the healthcare team helping to increase access to genetic testing and empower patients in making informed healthcare decisions.

Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day is an opportunity to highlight the unique expertise genetic counselors at UVA Health bring to patient care and their dedication to ensuring that clinicians and patients have access to genetic counseling and testing at our institution. Join us to celebrate your GC colleagues at UVA Health for their commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care!