2003 ASHG Award for Excellence in Human Genetics Education. The importance of genetic counseling.

摘要: Joan H. MarksView Large Image | View Hi-Res Download PowerPoint SlideI was deeply honored to receive the ASHG 2003 Award for Excellence in Medical Genetics Education. I am grateful committee and those who nominated me this wonderful honor. This award means not only a great deal personally but also all members of new profession genetic counseling.It is tradition thank one’s colleagues their participation research project. In instance, believe that success master’s-level counselors, program initiated at Sarah Lawrence College, due major extent “pioneer” graduates from Lawrence. These early established field by showing what they could accomplish practice medical genetics as advocates patients seeking understanding particular risks. Several were hired geneticists with whom did student training. centers, New York area, included Albert Einstein College Medicine, Hospital–Cornell Creedmoor Psychiatric Hospital, Long Island Jewish and, late 70s, Presbyterian Hospital–College Physicians Surgeons, Columbia University. By 1980, Human Program attracting students over country, these recruited join counseling service many states across nation.When first grants awarded under National Diseases Act 1976, most applied funds develop statewide salaries recruit master's-level counselors. The fact an innovative, high-risk graduate education be flourish Lawrence—with concentration humanities, sciences—owes lot culture college, emphasizes initiative individual.The hallmark training counselors based on premise emotional component risk central providing good services. That integration medical-genetics psychological-counseling skills has remained core programs now offered United States abroad.The curriculum originally concentrated basic science courses, such human physiology, genetics, probability statistics, cytogenetics. mid-70s, course work developed psychological illness loss. At same time, serious effort made had previous experience working undergone traumatic, stressful situations. As our contact services increased, so appreciation being passing malfunctioning genes traumatic patients. Learning provide supportive care sensitivity tailored each patient’s dynamic something needed taught. Selecting already shown interest level seemed promising future All applicants required have personal interview director assistant program.The soon matched number hours devoted sciences. A two-semester seminar psychiatrist. began individually weekly seminar, well one-on-one conferences, both helping open up own life experiences patient contacts developed, patients' needs problems one-semester interviewing, concepts Carl Rogers, introduced 1980s remains part today. expanded include reproductive developmental biology, biochemistry, introduction clinical medicine, thesis requirement. An oral exam developing impromptu case plan typical referral introduced.Going back 1970s, emphasis prenatal diagnosis birth defects. Over decades, role diseases expanded, counselor. next will undoubtedly increasing ever-more-challenging delivering health Alan Guttmacher said, “Stunning scientific technological advances mean little if do benefit people.” challenge today begin apply knowledge Genome Project available. process includes, large extent, need educate public nontechnological language understandable people intellectual levels. must—and will—be utilized play important become aware facets its implications individual wanting know about makeup.I invited speak before American Society when submitted abstract 1974 meeting Portland, Oregon. On hot July day, Fred Hecht, chair, called say my paper been chosen plenary session! shocked! assured him no intention presenting paper, merely wanted put map! He responded choice present talk! unique day me, never presented talk group, even PTA! Victor McKusick audience, he referred “Doctor Marks!” few moments way podium decide whether accept promotion doctor or concentrate job day: convince doubtful audience master’s-level-trained real contribution make world care.In year 2003, there remarkable acceptance importance Traditionally, clinics encompasses specialties, health-care management, health-professional education, health, use technology deliver cancer alone, counselor integral member oncology team. Industry, too, continues promote utilization screening tools, management worldwide basis.Today, still M.D.! But signifies accepted profoundly perform While enormously recognition development, more appreciative committee’s decision commends itself disability improving quality receive.