White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Event – Clinical Genomics: Ending Diagnostic Odysseys & Enhancing Equity in Patient Care

12.5.2022

This online event took place on September 22, 2022, and was co-hosted by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). This 2-hour event explored uses of rapid genomic sequencing, yield of testing and showcased potential strategies and state models for facilitating insurance coverage and enabling equitable patient access. One of the sessions was moderated by NSGC Past President, Wendy Uhlmann, MS, LCGC and genetic counselors were recognized by multiple presenters.

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Study Gauges Success of Telephone vs. In-Person Genetic Counseling in Underserved Populations

11.19.2022

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nov. 19, 2022 – People from underserved populations are as likely to complete a visit with a genetic counselor in person as by telephone, suggests interim data from a study whose lead investigator was awarded a Jane Engelberg Memorial Fellowship (JEMF). The interim report is being presented at the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) 41st Annual Conference.

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NSGC ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEWS BRIEFS

11.16.2022

Research Demonstrates Genetic Counselors’ Role in Patient Care

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nov. 16, 2022 – Genetic testing may help determine the most appropriate medication for children with attention deficit disorder (ADD), electronic medical records can help decrease disparities in access to genetic testing, most people offered genetic testing at work are not familiar with discrimination protections and genetic counselors play a vital role in a national effort to build a diverse health database. These are among the research findings being presented at the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) 41st Annual Conference.

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About Half of Autistic Adults Think Genetic Testing Shouldn’t be Performed

11.16.2022

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nov. 16, 2022 – Autistic adults have serious concerns about genetic testing for the condition, with nearly half saying it shouldn’t be done at all, according to results of a survey being presented at the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) 41st Annual Conference.

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Preimplantation Genetic Testing of Embryos Skyrocketing, Study Finds Suggests Growth Related to Increase in Genetic Testing Overall

11.16.2022

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nov. 16, 2022 – The use of preimplantation genetic testing as a part of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has skyrocketed, and is likely linked to the increased use of carrier screening and other forms of genetic testing, suggests a study being presented at the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) 41st Annual Conference.

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NSGC Statement on Cancer Moonshot

2.2.2022

We applaud the formation of the new and revitalized White House Cancer Moonshot, which seeks to increase screening and prevention, reduce mortality and improve the quality of life for those with cancer. We join President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in calling for more screenings and early detection efforts. 

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NSGC Statement on Texas SB 8

9.3.2021

Texas SB 8 is a direct attack on abortion access. We oppose this and any legislation that violates the patient-provider relationship and disproportionately affects underserved and under-resourced communities. All healthcare providers, including genetic counselors, should be able to deliver patient-centered care without fear of retribution.  Genetic counselors are bound by our code of ethics, which requires that we provide patients with complete and unbiased information.  We stand by our position statement on reproductive freedom, which supports the right of all individuals to make reproductive choices, including access to safe abortion.
 
We encourage genetic counselors to speak with their risk management/legal teams at their institutions for further guidance. We are working with local chapters and national organizations to provide support to genetic counselors whose practice is affected by SB 8.

 

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NSGC President Gillian Hooker Interviewed on Spark Podcast

8.5.2020

NSGC President, Gillian Hooker, was interviewed by radio and podcast host Kellee Marlow about the exploding interest in genetic testing. Listen to the podcast HERE.

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NSGC Media Placements from Q4 2018

1.29.2019

A Safe Prenatal Genetic Test Is Gaining Popularity with Young Moms-To-Be and Their Doctors - The Washington Post

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NSGC Responds to U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approval of Direct-to-Consumer Cancer Test that Reports Three BRCA Mutations

4.19.2018

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the marketing of 23andMe Personal Genome Service Genetic Health Risk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 on March 6, 2018. This is the first direct-to-consumer (DTC) test to report on three specific breast cancer gene mutations most common in people of Ashkenazi (Ea

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