Genetic Counsellor, Medical Genetics, Provincial Medical Genetics Program

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The Genetic Counsellor, Medical Genetics is a medical professional who participates in a team approach to providing genetic counseling to individual patients and their families. The Genetic Counsellor role also includes presentation and inservices on medical genetics topics to public and professional groups, as well as lectures to students in the areas of medicine, genetic counseling and other faculties in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.Participates on the clinical team by developing, preparing and completing patient care history files (medical, pregnancy and family history) through interviews with patients and family members. Elicits patient concerns, analyzes inheritance patterns, summarizes data, and discusses concerns with the Medical Geneticist.
2.Provides genetic counseling and support to patients and family members, both independently (under the direction of a Medical Geneticist) and within the Counsellor/Medical Geneticist team, by providing families with information about particular genetic disorders, inheritance patterns, genetic risk, genetic testing options, available support groups, in addition to assisting the patient/family in coping with the emotional stress associated with a genetic diagnosis.
3.Dictates letters to communicate to the referring and family physician the details and recommendations of a genetic session which are cosigned by the Medical Geneticist.
4.Serves as the liaison person between the referring physician, the patient and the medical genetic physician to assure an understanding of the counseling issues and follow-up recommendations. Contacts patient/referring physician with results as needed.
5.Involved as members of multidisciplinary clinics (eg Fetal Diagnostic Service) representing the medical genetics clinic by providing counseling, expertise and recommendations based on medical genetics standards of care.
6.Involved in the academic training of medical students as well as clinical training of residents, fellow and students on rotation in the clinical unit. This includes giving lectures, leading small group sessions, teaching counseling skills and supervising patient counselling sessions.
7.Maintains an awareness of developments in medical genetic services through literature reviews, internet sources, participation in journal club and patient review, and as appropriate, keeps health professionals and patients informed of new information via lectures, inservices, phone consultations and correspondence.
8.Follow up on patient care by directing the clinic secretary to order relevant medical records, arrange medical testing, organize referrals to other specialists/clinics as required by the genetic physician, and to follow up outstanding patient results assuring completion and accuracy.
9.Acts as a resource person to community physicians, health professionals and specialty clinics through phone consults, literature searches and lectures regarding medical genetic services, genetic disease information and teratogen updates.
10.Provides education to the community, both public and professional groups such as high school students, medical/nursing students and family support groups through lectures on topics related to medical genetics and coping with genetic disorders.
11.Updates medical records/charts as required, reviews all outside repots and test results, following department guidelines and procedures.
12.Maintains patient pamphlet resource library by reviewing and approving appropriate, factual patient information for distribution for medical genetic patients.
13.Serves as counselor representative at clinic planning meetings for the development and implementation of new systems and clinic procedures.
14.Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•Masters degree in Medical Genetics or Genetic Counselling OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience with two (2) years recent related genetic experience.
•Board certified for certification with the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors and/or American Board of Genetic Counselling.
Skills and Abilities
•Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
•Ability to deal effectively with patient/families in crisis.
•Ability to operate related equipment such as computerized genetic databases/information systems.
•Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.