National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) History
The Leading Voice for Genetic Counselors
In 1971 the first class of master's degree genetic counselors graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY. Genetic counselors rapidly became an integral member of the genetics team because of the profession's unique knowledge and skills in counseling and human genetics.
Growth and development within the profession and the recognition of a unique identity provided the impetus for the formation of a responsive professional society. To that end, the NSGC was incorporated in 1979.
The NSGC promotes the professional interests of genetic counselors and provides a network for professional communications. Access to continuing education opportunities, professional resources, advocacy and the discussion of all issues relevant to human genetics and the genetic counseling profession are an integral part of belonging to the NSGC.
Click here to access An Oral History of the National Society of Genetic Counselors by Audrey Heimler, the NSGC's first president.
History of the Genetic Counseling Profession
Click here to view a timeline of the genetic counseling profession and NSGC milestones developed by the NSGC Late Career Special Interest Group (SIG).
Click here to access Genetic counseling: Growth of the profession and the professional by Bonnie J. Baty.
NSGC's 40th Anniversary
NSGC celebrated its 40th anniversary at the NSGC 38th Annual Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. To commemorate this achievement, NSGC asked some its former presidents to reflect upon the historical milestones within the last 40 years.
History of NSGC: Celebrating our 40th Anniversary
Click here to access 40 years and beyond for the National Society of Genetic Counselors: Reflections on genetic counseling practice, by Wendy R. Uhlmann, Jennifer Hoskovec and Mary Freivogel, former presidents of NSGC. To watch their 40th anniversary speeches, view the videos below.
40 Years of the Genetic Counseling Profession: The Past by Wendy R. Uhlmann
40 Years of the Genetic Counseling Profession: The Present by Jennifer Hoskovec
40 Years of the Genetic Counseling Profession: The Future by Mary Freivogel
NSGC Past Presidents
NSGC's Past Presidents at the 40th Anniversary Celebration at the 38th Annual Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Learn the issues and challenges facing genetic counselors by viewing Past Presidential addresses. Click a President's name to access their Presidential address.
- 2019: Amy Sturm
- 2018: Erica Ramos
- 2017: Mary Freivogel
- 2016: Jehannine Austin
- 2015: Joy Larsen Haidle
- 2014: Jennifer Hoskovec
- 2013: Rebecca Nagy
- 2012: Brenda Finucane
- 2011: Karin Dent
- 2010: Elizabeth Kearney
- 2009: Steven Keiles
- 2008: Angela Trepanier
- 2007: Cathy Wicklund
- 2006: Nancy P. Callanan
- 2005: Kelly E. Ormond
- 2004: Dawn C. Allain
- 2002-2003: Robin L. Bennett
- 2001-2002: Katherine A. Schneider
- 2000-2001: Vivian J. Weinblatt
- 1999-2000: Wendy R. Uhlmann
- 1998-1999: Debra Lochner Doyle
- 1997-1998: Maureen Smith
- 1996-1997: Ann Happ Boldt
- 1995-1996: Vickie Venne
- 1994-1995: Bonnie S. LeRoy
- 1993-1994: Karen Greendale
- 1992-1993: Elizabeth Gettig
- 1991-1992: Edward Kloza
- 1990-1991: Joan A. Scott
- 1989-1990: Barbara B. Biesecker
- 1988-1989: Debra L. Collins
- 1987-1988: Diane L. Baker
- 1986-1987: Beth A. Fine
- 1985-1986: Deborah Eunpu
- 1984-1985: Luba Djurdjinovic
- 1983-1984: Ann Platt Walker
- 1982-1983: Virginia Corson
- 1981-1982: Ann C.M. Smith
- 1980-1981: Beverly Rollnick
- 1979-1980: Audrey Heimler
NSGC State of the Society Slides
- 2019 State of the Society
- 2018 State of the Society
- 2017 State of the Society
- 2016 State of the Society
- 2015 State of the Society
- 2014 State of the Society
- 2013 State of the Society
- 2012 State of the Society
- 2011 State of the Society
- 2010 State of the Society
- 1984 State of the Society
NSGC Annual Business Meeting Slides
- 2019 Business Meeting
- 2018 Business Meeting
- 2017 Business Meeting
- 2016 Business Meeting
- 2015 Business Meeting
- 2014 Business Meeting
- 2013 Business Meeting
- 2012 Business Meeting
- 2011 Business Meeting
- 2010 Business Meeting
- 2009 Business Meeting
- 2008 Business Meeting
- 2007 Business Meeting
- 2006 Business Meeting