Genetic Counselors
CAREER DEFINITION:
A genetic counselor examines a patient’s medical and family history in order to determine their likelihood of inheriting (or passing on) certain genetic traits. For example, a person might want to visit a genetic counselor in order to understand the chances of them developing breast cancer due to their family’s history with the disease.
DAY-TO-DAY LIFE:
Genetic counselors work in labs or hospitals, and in most cases, are directly in contact with their patients.
WELL-KNOWN FIGURES:
Not many genetic counselors are widespread public figures, but they still fulfill important work. Many also participate in research, as Dr. Beth Peshkin of Georgetown University Medical Center did; she has been credited in over 100 peer-reviewed publications and counseled more than 700 individuals. Another notable counselor is Dr. Altovise T. Ewing, who advocates for more individuals to seek genetic counseling to truly understand who they are.
EDUCATION PATH:
If you are interested in becoming a genetic counselor, many get their start in college with a Bachelor’s degree in biology or another natural science. After undergrad, individuals go onto graduate school to earn a Master’s degree in genetic counseling. In order to actually practice as a health care professional, genetic counselors also require a license and/or board certification.
