Upmc Genetics (2024)

FAQs

Why am I being referred to genetic counseling? ›

The reasons that a person might be referred to a genetic counselor, medical geneticist, or other genetics professional include: A personal or family history of a genetic condition, birth defect, chromosomal disorder, or hereditary cancer. Two or more pregnancy losses (miscarriages), a stillbirth, or a baby who died.

Both professions require education and training in genetics. However, one important distinction is that although a master's degree is usually sufficient for a career as a genetic counselor, a doctorate is typical among geneticists, with some opting for a medical degree and others choosing to obtain a Ph. D.

Now, there are only 7,500 to 8,000 genetic counselors worldwide. Not all of them are working as genetic counselors currently. And this is a scant amount of people.

A geneticist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating families with different medical issues that can include single or multiple birth defects, sensory deficits (like hearing loss or blindness) learning disabilities and developmental delay, errors of metabolism, problems with growth (short or tall stature ...

The most common indications for genetic counseling include advanced maternal age, family history of a genetic condition, and suspected diagnosis of a genetic condition.

A medical geneticist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating genetic disorders or conditions.

Genetic counselors assess clients' risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as birth defects. They review genetic test results with individuals and families and support them in making decisions based on those results. They also offer information to other healthcare providers.

Clinical geneticists have medical degrees such as MD, DO or equivalent degrees and have completed at least one residency year in an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited primary specialty followed by two years of medical genetics and genomics residency training.

Choosing Candidates For Gene Therapy

For you to even consider gene therapy, the answer must be "yes." For instance, genetic disorders caused by mutations in single genes tend to be good candidates for gene therapy, while diseases involving many genes and environmental factors tend to be poor candidates.

Who should consider genetic counseling? ›

You may wish to see a genetic counselor if you have a personal or family history of cancer. We welcome all individuals and families who have a concern about a cancer diagnosis or a family history of cancer. Our team can help assess your family's risk and options for management and genetic testing.

Genetic counselors make the most money in California, where the average salary was $131,800 in 2022, per BLS.

Genetic counselors help identify families at possible risk of a genetic condition by gathering and analyzing family history and inheritance patterns and calculating chances of recurrence.

Common topics include: Talking about your family health history and ethnic heritage. Helping you understand the causes of genetic conditions. Helping you understand testing options, diagnosis, or, in some cases, the reason why no diagnosis has been made.

Clinical trials of gene therapy in people have helped treat several diseases and disorders, including: Severe combined immunodeficiency. Hemophilia and other blood disorders. Blindness caused by retinitis pigmentosa.

You may also need this counseling if: You have had multiple pregnancy losses. These include miscarriages, stillbirths, or infant deaths. You or your partner has a genetic disorder or any disorder seen in several generations.