Work

Promoting the integration of genetic counseling education and research across the spectrum of learners at a large academic institution

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Genetic counselors are valuable members of research teams and are increasingly taking leadership roles in major research trials. While the field of genetic counseling has explored a doctoral degree several times, the terminal degree is still a master's level. Genetic counseling training programs provide research training, but many genetic counselors desire additional opportunities to develop expertise. To address the gaps in the availability of research training before and after obtaining genetic counseling degrees, we applied for and received a grant centered around three aims: (1) develop an undergraduate minor in genomics and human health with a research component, (2) promote a rigorous genetic counseling research program for training to practice genetic counselors, and (3) initiate a combined PhD program in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, and Genetics (MCDB&G) with a track in genetic counseling. We describe each of these components and early progress toward these aims. As each individual aim is bearing fruit, the next challenges are implementing more crossover between people in each aim and distilling the lessons learned to see if this program could be replicated at other sites.

Source: Journal of Genetic Counseling

DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1810

Authors: Ian M. MacFarlane, Heather Zierhut

Institutions: University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota System

Language: English

Topic: Health and Medical Research Impacts

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Partnerships for the goals

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,660