November 9th is Genetic Counsellor Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and interest about genetic counsellors and helping everyone to understand the important role genetic counsellors play in health care.
At our Hospital, we have two genetic counsellors in our Clinical Genetics Program. The Program offers a variety of services, including assessment and diagnosis of genetic conditions, medical information about genetic conditions, discussion about chances of passing on conditions, information about the management and prevention of inherited conditions and services that arrange and interpret laboratory test results. Each year, the Program receives between 700 to 800 referrals.
Leanne Mercer, a genetic counsellor at our Hospital, shares why she enjoys working in this profession:
“Genetics is rapidly expanding with more knowledge and tests available. I like helping people understand what genetic information means for them and their families in this evolving field.”
For more information about our Hospital’s Clinical Genetics Program, visit https://tbrhsc.net/genetics.
(L-R) Mudassir Ahmed – Genetics Clerk, Yolanda MacKinnon – Genetics Assistant, Lori-Ann Hamilton – Genetics Coordinator (interim), Leanne Mercer – Genetic Counsellor, Taylor Speziale – Genetic Counsellor, Tarja Heiskanen – Manager
