Strategic Development of the Genetic Counselor Profession in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: The Establishment of the GfH Genetic Counselor Commission
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In June 2024, the German Society of Human Genetics (GfH) established a commission for Genetic Counselors (German translation: Genetische Fachberater:innen) with 86% members' approval, marking a significant step for the genetic counselor profession in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (D-A-CH). This commission aims to advance the genetic counselor profession, influence policy, and drive improvements in the field. An interactive process was conducted in an online workshop format to prioritize the commission's key perspectives and goals, involving 85 participants from genetic centers across the D-A-CH area, including a comprehensive representation of genetic counselors and medical geneticists. The workshop event comprised introductions of speakers, commission members, presentations, and open discussions engaging participants in a structured process to identify key priorities for future initiatives. The strategic goals were developed in an interactive process involving the workshop participants. The GfH genetic counselor commission's primary goal is to create the prerequisites for the legal recognition and effective integration of genetic counselors into clinical genetic services in the D-A-CH region. Responding to the increasing need for more trained genetics professionals, standardized education aligned with the European core curriculum and internationally defined responsibilities and competencies for genetic counselors were defined. Among these objectives, the highest priority was assigned to the development of a scope of practice for genetic counselors in consensus with all genetics societies in the D-A-CH area. This interactive approach identified the most critical requirements for the full integration of genetic counselors into medical genetic services across the D-A-CH countries, providing a robust framework for future development and implementation of the genetic counselor profession and a prioritized development of a scope of practice for the region.
Source: Journal of Genetic Counseling
DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.70272
Institutions: Innsbruck Medical University, Universität Innsbruck
Language: English
Topic: Nursing Roles and Practices
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,840
OpenAlex ID: W7171553894