What are the responsibilities and job description for the Genetic Counselor position at medstar?
Job Summary:
MedStar Health is looking for a Genetic Counselor to join our team at MedStar Washington Hospital Center!
The Genetic Counselor works as member of a healthcare team such as Women's Infant Services (WIS) or Cardiogenetic Center 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.
Join one of the largest healthcare systems in the Baltimore-Washington metro region, also recognized as one of the "Healthiest Maryland Businesses". Apply today and learn how MedStar Health can be your next great career move!
Primary Duties:
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.
Works with patients with inherited arrhythmia syndromes, familial cardiomyopathies and inherited aortic diseases together with the teams from Cardiogenetic Center, Heart Failure Service and Aortic Diseases Clinic. 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 explains 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.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from a certified Genetic Counseling training program.
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.
American Board of Genetic Counseling board certification or board eligibility preferred.
