Please note that all times are listed in Central Standard Time (CST) and that the schedule is subject to change.
7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Registration Open
7:45 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
AstraZeneca - Germline BRCA Testing in Breast Cancer to Help Inform Clinical Decisions
Participants: Cory Airheart, MS LGC, Genetic Counselor, St. Alphonsus Hospital/Trinity Health
Session Summary: This program will include an overview of the role of BRCA genes in the homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway, updates to guideline recommendations to increase awareness of germline BRCA testing to help inform clinical decisions, and examples of laboratory assays available to help assess germline BRCA mutations.
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Educational Breakout Sessions (EBS)
Improving the Diagnosis Experience: What We Can Learn from Families of Children with Down Syndrome
Participants: Angela Trepanier, MS, LCGC; Hannah Pascucci, RN, MSN, PNP-PC/AC; Stephanie Meredith, MA; Janinah S. Barreto, PharmD, MS, CPHIMS; Ayah Ibrahim, PhD; Danielle Prchal; Melissa Shutwell; Kaitie Szostek, LMSW, QPID, CMHP
Session Summary: Delivering an unexpected pre- or postnatal diagnosis, such as a Down syndrome diagnosis, is challenging. How a diagnosis is delivered can significantly impact parents' views of the condition, trust in medical professionals, utilization of healthcare services, and adaptation. Our vision for this session is to have a moderated parent panel describe their varied experiences, positive and negative, in receiving a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. Attendees will be invited to ask questions throughout this session and share their experiences with giving a diagnosis. The main goal of this session is that the panel discussion, with audience input, will lead to the recommendations for improving the diagnosis experience. Learn more here.
How to Build a Somatic Testing Protocol in Oncology: We’re Building the Plane While We’re Flying It
Participants: Sarah Scollon, MS, CGC; Dana Farnego Clark, MS, LCGC; Jennie Vagher, MS, CGC; Russell Broaddus, MD, PhD; Allie Hentschell, MS, CGC; Julia Cooper, MS, CGC; Jessica Stoll, MS, CGC; Sarah Bannon, MS, CGC; Samuel Hyde, MMSc, CGC; Anna DeSalvo, MS, CGC
Session Summary: Somatic testing in oncology is standard of care for many malignancies and expanding rapidly in scope and indication. Genetic counselors (GCs) are faced with many challenges in this quickly evolving arena, yet are perfectly suited to lead the way. Currently, most GCs are building out their protocols for handling somatic testing clinic by clinic and are often questioning whether they are making the right decisions. This session will share the current landscape of somatic genomic/molecular testing in oncology, new data regarding the utilization of somatic test results among GCs and a panel of speakers sharing real-world experiences of how they built their protocols showcasing a variety of institutions and disciplines within oncology. Learn more here.
Keeping Up with ACMG Secondary Findings Lists: Counseling on Cardiovascular Genes from v3.0 and v3.1
Participants: Emily Brown, MGC, CGC; Laura Amendola, MS, CGC; Caralynn Wilczewski, PhD, ScM, CGC; Julie Sapp, ScM, CGC; Melissa A. Kelly MS, CGC; Brittney Murray, MS, CGC; Matthew Thomas, ScM, CGC; Elizabeth Jordan, MS, CGC
Session Summary: In 2022 ACMG released the current secondary finding (SF) list (version 3.1), recommending the inclusion of TTR (transthyretin amyloidosis) and DES and RBM20 (arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy). This comes on the heels of version 3.0 which newly added TTN (cardiomyopathy and myopathy) and FLNC (arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy). Clinical management for SF in these genes are complex due to variable expressivity and reduced penetrance along with treatment limitations. This session covers the selection process for the SF list, the approach to genotype-first variant interpretation, central counseling considerations and a practical discussion of how to approach screening and management. Poll Everywhere questions will be utilized to engage attendees.
The Most Important Omics of All: Economics of Healthcare Across Private, Public, and Not-for-Profit Organizations
Participants: Carrie Haverty, MS, CGC; Kenny Wong, MS, CGC; Christina Ren, MS, CGC; Brian Reys, MS, CGC
Session Summary: This session will educate attendees about the various financial models used to support the delivery of healthcare services - venture capital, not-for-profit health systems, publicly-traded organizations, and others. This will be done via a series of short lectures from experts with plenty of time for Q&A via a moderated panel addressing questions submitted in advance by attendees or during the session itself. Learn more here.
Shine the Light and Bring the Heat: How to Implement a Health Equity Guide for Healthcare Transformation and Accountability
Participants: Barbara Harrison, CGC; Tene Hamilton Franklin, MS; Altovise T. Ewing, PhD, LCGC; Grace-Ann Fasaye, ScM, CGC
Session Summary: As we identify inequities in the delivery of genetic counseling and clinical genetics services to minoritized populations, including those belonging to diverse racial and ethnic groups, those with a range of physical and neuro-abilities, and LGBTQIA+ populations, we now need to enact change. We will share actionable steps that can empower and be executed by GCs, regardless of their position at their institution or company. GCs will be introduced to specific processes and goals that can be used independently (within clinics) and collaboratively (with larger healthcare teams, patient populations, and communities). The Light and Heat Health Equity Guide can be implemented as we champion broad topics that touch all populations that we serve.
11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Abstract Awards
Participants: Check back soon for more information
Session Summary: Check back soon for more information
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Late Breaking Plenary Session: Embracing Artificial Intelligence in Genetic Counseling: Transforming Patient Care and Enhancing Clinical Outcomes
Participants: Shivani Nazareth, MS, CGC; Moran Snir; Ahmed Elkalliny; Kenny Wong, MS, CGC
Session Summary: Genetic counseling plays a crucial role in empowering individuals and families to make informed decisions regarding their genetic health. As the field of genetics continues to advance, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool to augment the practice of genetic counseling. This proposal aims to discuss the potential impact of AI in the genetic counseling field, exploring how AI can improve patient care, enhance clinical outcomes, and facilitate more efficient genetic analysis.
12:30 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Participants: Sophia Ceulemans, MS, LGC
Session Summary: Join us as 42nd Annual Conference Program Planning Committee Vice Chair, Sophia Ceulemans, MS, LGC, brings us together one last time to celebrate this year's event and to provide a sneak peak at next year's event.