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Why Canada needs more genetic counsellors

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5 Comments
  • Kamini says:

    Are genetic counsellors from other countries welcome to work in canada ? What does someone who has done genetic counselling frim india have to do to become a genetic counsellor in canada

  • Teresa Buffone says:

    Yes, I agree there should be more genetic counsellors as they play an important “first” communication with affected individuals. The counsellor can provide information about genetic disease, bodily systems involved, progression of disease, affects of anesthesia (particularly important for Myotonic Dystrophy individuals) , and reproductive issues, etc as well as inform of support organizations that offer services, avail the existence of “portal” of Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Network where they or their physician can obtain information, (this, soon to be established “network “ , will also identify clinicians in close proximity where they can seek care.). Physicians today do not have time to educate individuals, so whose responsibility should it be? Someone should do it! Teresa Buffone, Ottawa, Ontario
    I am an advocate for Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy living in Ottawa. I established support group, and provided information “Toolkit” to our members. But how about to those who have not joined our group?

  • Marziya Shaikh says:

    Nice article, will you be able to help me to get in contact with Salma Shickh, who is a genetic counsellor and a PhD student at UoT?

  • edwin lazear says:

    I am not quite sure if you understand the difference between a Clinical Geneticist and a Genetic Counsellor. Given the patient example you used, a clinical genetics consultation would have been suggested.

  • Ann Silversides says:

    From the CMAJ 2007: The wide gap between genetic research and clinical needs
    http://www.cmaj.ca/content/176/3/315

Authors

Vanessa Milne

Contributor

Vanessa is a freelance health journalist and a form staff writer with Healthy Debate

Francine Buchanan

Contributor

Francine Buchanan is a mom and primary caregiver to an amazing little boy who is thriving with complex medical needs. When she isn’t watching or playing baseball with her family, she is a Ph.D. student at the University of Toronto studying physician/patient communication.

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