High Demand On-Demand sessions will be made available appoximately 1 week ahead of the conference dates. Sessions will remain available for all attendees to view through 12/31/2023.
Advancing Variant Classification: Steps in Reducing Uncertainty and Improving Patient Outcomes
Heidi Rehm, PhD; Yuya Kobayashi, PhD; Jason Carmichael, MS, CGC; Sayoni Lahiri, CGC; Flavia Facio, MS, CGC
Since the last publication of the ACMG/AMP guidelines for the interpretation of genetic sequence variants (Richards et al. 2015), technologies used for sequencing and classifying genetic information have evolved rapidly. In this session, we will review current challenges surrounding variant classification (VC) and the rate of variants of uncertain clinical significance (VUS) being returned to patients/clients. We will discuss ongoing efforts to resolve VUSs through the improvement of VC guidelines, the utilization of novel approaches for VC that allow for a more nuanced classification of results, and the power of collaboration between clinical GCs and clinical labs, both for the initial classification of a variant and for VUS resolution. Learn more
here.
The Differences Between PhDs and Clinical Doctorates: An Update on Why It Matters for the Genetic Counseling Profession
Tobey DeMott Yeates, PT, DPT, OCS; Laura A. Taylor, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN; Rebecca Mueller, PhD, LCGC; Lori Erby, ScM, PhD, CGC; Elizabeth Coffran, MS; Katarzyna Jones, MS; Kathleen Valverde, PhD, LCGC; Laura Conway, PhD, LCGC
Since its inception, the entry level and terminal degree for genetic counselors has been a master’s degree. As the field has evolved, the possibility of advanced degrees has been raised periodically. Two recent surveys suggest that there is great interest among current genetic counselors in developing an advanced degree, although there are concerns about the benefits and potential harms as well as confusion about the different advanced degree options. This session will summarize the history, review the path to advanced degrees in other allied health professions, provide personal accounts of the utility of advanced degrees in genetic counseling, review the recent survey results, and describe current efforts in advanced education.
Leveraging Your Skills and Experiences for a Career in Product Management, Program Management, or Project Management
Carrie Haverty, MS, CGC; Cheyla Clark, MS, CGC; Monica Stamp, MS, CGC; Nivi Ahlawat MS, CGC
This session will educate attendees about the different PxM roles - Product Management, Program Management, Project Management - and how genetic counselors are not only equipped through their training and experience to step into these roles, but especially qualified and needed in these diversifying areas
Epilepsy Genetics a Decade Later: Putting Guidelines into Practice Across the Lifespan
Amanda Bergner, MS, LCGC; Kaitlin Angione, MS, CGC; Emily Bonkowski, ScM, CGC; Jordana Graifman, MS, CGC; Lisa Kinsley, MS, CGC; Sonal Mahida, MGC, CGC; Bree Martin, MS, CGC; Sophie Melly, Natalie Lippa, MS, CGC; Tamara Reynolds, MS, CGC; Lacey Smith, MS, CGC; Rozalia Valentine, MS, CGC; Karen Utley, BSN, RN; Beth Rosen-Sheidley, MS, CGC
This session will provide essential information for genetic counselors who work in variety of specialty areas, will provide an update regarding the landscape of genetic epilepsies and will review key elements of the NSGC practice guideline. We will utilize a case-based approach to demonstrate the impact of testing/diagnosis across patients at different stages of life/across multiple institutions. We will highlight a 2023 initiative to engage underrepresented patient groups at community health centers/hospitals. We will present a panel of genetic counselors and consumers who are involved in gene specific advocacy organizations to share their personal stories and highlight the role of genetic counselors in this partnership.
Leveraging Technology to Streamline Clinic Workflow and Patient Tracking
Ashley V. Daley, MS, CGC; Parker Read, MS, CGC; Ashlie Browning, MS, CGC; Emily Higgs, MS, CGC; John Zimmerman, MS, CGC; Amber Gemmell, MS, CGC
This session will explore how genetic counselors can create and/or leverage technology platforms to streamline clinic workflow and aid in accommodating increasing patient volume. Attendees will have a chance to discuss considerations in the development and implementation of an electronic tracking system, evaluate and analyze various tracking systems, and review the application of these systems to track outcome metrics in various populations.
Chasing Genomic Innovation: Equity, Ethics, and the Law
Vence Bonham Jr., JD; Sara Cherny, MS, CGC; Ellen Wright Clayton, JD, MD; Anya Prince, JD; June McKoy, MD, JD, MPH, MBA
Genomic technology is developing faster than ever. Genetic counseling providers, researchers, and innovators need to understand the complex interaction of genomics practice and technologies with society, law, and legislation. This session offers the opportunity to learn from leaders in the fields of genomics law, ethics, and equity who are directly involved in the understanding and application of these issues to genomics in our communities.
Capitalism in Clinic: How Oppressive Powers and Policies Impact the Field of Genetic Counseling
Kimberly Zayhowski, MS, CGC; Helen Kim, MA, MS, CGC; Tala Berro, MS, CGC; Cassandra Barrett, Ph.D., MS, CGC; Gayun Chan-Smutko, MS, CGC; Michelle Takemoto, MS, CGC; Liann Jimmons, MS, CGC; Malika Sud, MS, CGC; Elizabeth Fieg, MS, CGC
This session will provide a didactic review of aspects of the medical industrial complex that reinforce systems of oppression, including incarceration, imperialism, racism, and ableism. This material will be presented and discussed in the context of the genetic counseling profession and the genetic counselor experience. By creating a framework connecting different aspects of the medical industrial complex to the daily roles and decisions of genetic counselors, this session will support genetic counselors reframing their values and sense of ‘self’ within a material-based society. Additionally, speakers will outline action-based tools and present opportunities for genetic counselors to work towards a more equitable profession and culture.
Highlights of 2023 NSGC Work: Moments of Progress and Recognition
NSGC volunteer leaders share updates on the work being done in NSGC Committees, Workgroups, and Task Forces. Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who work so hard to move NSGC and the field of genetic counseling forward.