The Genetic Counselor works as member of a healthcare team at the Perinatal Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Department of Women's and Infants' Services (WIS) . In their role, the genetic counselor will be providing risk assessment, education and support to individuals and families at risk for, or diagnosed with, a variety of inherited conditions. Educates patients and family members about the risks they may face and identifies resources to help them deal with those prospects. Explains genetic-testing options and provides necessary counseling about how to prevent or cope with a condition. Interprets genetic testing, provides supportive counseling, and serves as patient advocates.
Education
Master's degree in Genetic Counseling from a certified Genetic Counseling training program
Experience
1-2 years of responsible job-related genetic counseling experience, preferably in a busy multiple physician practice where demonstrated the ability to deal effectively with insurance companies and HMO's and solve patient and staff problems Required
Licenses and Certifications
American Board of Genetic Counseling board-certification or board eligibility preferred
Meets with patients and family members to gather information about their medical and family histories and concerns.
Educates clients about how disorders and syndromes are passed from one generation to the next.
Provides pre-conceptual and perinatal counseling for pregnancy risks related to inherited conditions, maternal age concerns, abnormal screening, previous abnormal pregnancy outcome, and other genetic disorders.
Explains genetic tests that might help determine people's chances of contracting hereditary conditions or passing them on to their children.
Provides information about birth defects and how they might be prevented. Considers, and discusses with patients, options for treatment or therapy.
Discusses sonography, fetal-blood sampling, amniocentesis, and other tests as determined appropriate. Orders the tests, then interprets the results in collaboration with board certified medical geneticist(s) and explain them to clients.
Provides emotional support and makes referrals to other health-care professionals and service providers.
Maintains patient records and writes reports.
Advises and administers training programs for doctors, students, and others.
Takes part in research projects involving medical genetics or genetic counseling.
Attends institutional and national conferences and training sessions to obtain continuing education and keep up-to-date on medical literature.
Participates in professional organizations like the American Board of Genetic Counseling and the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
MedStar Health combines the best aspects of academic medicine, research, and innovation with a complete spectrum of clinical services to advance patient care. It's the largest healthcare provider in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, MedStar Health’s more than 300 care locations include 10 hospitals, 33 urgent care clinics, ambulatory care centers, and primary and specialty care providers. We are also home to the MedStar Health Research Institute and a comprehensive scope of health-related organizations all recognized regionally and nationally for excellence.MedStar Washington Hospital Center, located in Washington, DC is the largest private, not-for-profit hospital in the nation’s capital, among the 100 largest hospitals in the nation, and a major referral center for treating the most complex cases. The Department of Women's and Infants' Services provides with OBGYN services for women at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The Perinatal Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center is a Maternal Fetal Medicine practice focused on prenatal evaluation and care. The Perinatal Center offers diagnostic ultrasound services, Maternal Fetal Medicine consultations, diagnostic geneti...c procedures, and genetic counseling services. This clinic provides specialized care for all evaluation needed to identify a healthy pregnancy—or support a complicated one. We are committed to providing information about pregnancy and fetal health in an informative and compassionate manner.
