Give Back to Your Community Pursue a Career in Genetic Counseling “Helping individuals and families understand how genetics affects their health and lives” Presented by: Stephanie Benedict, MS, CGC Florida Virtual School February 4, 2010 With Permission: KidsHealth.org/The Nemours Foundation Supported by a pilot grant from the Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati, ES – P

My Background Graduated from University of South Florida in Tampa, FL with BA in Psychology and BA in Criminology-1998 Graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY with MS in Human Genetics Became a Certified Genetic Counselor Genetic Counselor for the past 8 years- currently with Genzyme Genetics in Tampa, FL

Supported by a pilot grant from the Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati, ES – P The Rewards In less than two years after you finish college YOU could become a genetic counselor… The average salary for a genetic counselor was reported as $62,948 in 2008 Top 10 “Hot Career” in careerbuilder.com About 90% of genetic counselors report satisfaction with The intellectual challenges of the field Learning opportunities Patient contact/counseling Opportunities for personal growth Autonomy in their current position (Based on the 2004 NSGC Professional Status Survey) Supported by a pilot grant from the Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati, ES – P

Reduce Health Disparities Genetic counselors from a variety of ethnic, racial and cultural backgrounds are needed to serve all people of all backgrounds Sensitive discussion of personal, family, and community values are key to genetic counseling sessions There is a special need to provide genetic counseling services to underserved communities With Permission: hdisparities/files/introhands.jpg

Supported by a pilot grant from the Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati, ES – P Be a Genetic Counselor! Explore family histories to identify risks Reduce effects of genetic risks with education & preventive strategies Help families learn/use coping and decision making strategies Teach in the community Health fairs High school classes Research conditions specific to certain communities

Supported by a pilot grant from the Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati, ES – P Many Career Paths Clinical Prenatal/Preconception Work with pregnant women, couples planning a pregnancy, couples who are at risk for having a baby with a genetic condition, women who have experienced pregnancy loss Pediatric Help parents, families, children and teenagers who have, or may have, genetic conditions such as sickle cell disease, deafness, mental retardation, birth defects Adult Counsel people with medical and genetic conditions, or a family history of a condition such as cancer, Huntington disease, Alzheimer disease

Supported by a pilot grant from the Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati, ES – P More Career Paths Public Health Raise awareness of genetics Improve access to services Outreach services Determine public policy Education Teach in high schools, colleges and universities Research Explore unanswered questions in genetics and find solutions With Permission: hotos/staff_maria-simpson.jpg

Supported by a pilot grant from the Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati, ES – P More Career Paths Consulting Private Practice Have increased autonomy and flexibility Internet Companies Develop online products related to genetics Pharmaceuticals Act as corporate resource for genetics expertise Industry/Laboratory Act as a liaison between labs, referring physicians, and patients With Permission: 03/2003Feb16MyDesk.jpg With Permission:

Supported by a pilot grant from the Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati, ES – P Prepare to be a genetic counselor Learn about the field Read about: Human genome research and ethical dilemmas Treatments and tests for genetic conditions Contact a genetic counselor Talk about roles and responsibilities and the rewards of the job Ask if you can observe in clinic Gain experience working with people Volunteer—rape crisis, pregnancy counseling, Special Olympics Be a teaching and/or research assistant Take on leadership roles Obtain recommendations From faculty and community supervisors Articulate unique aspects of your personal and academic preparation With permission: /studentserv/images/cou nseling.jpg

Supported by a pilot grant from the Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati, ES – P Start Today! Find a genetic counselor in your city or state National Society of Genetic Counselors National Society of Genetic Counselors Executive Office 401 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL Phone: Fax: Apply to Genetic Counseling Graduate Programs American Board of Genetic Counseling- 31 programs in US; additional in Canada & overseas With permission: entific/Images/DNA.jpg