Genetic counseling is a position in the medical field that involves counseling people who are or could be affected by a genetic disorder. Genetic counselors advise patients about genetic testing and the implications of being diagnosed with a condition. Though there have been some recent changes to the nature of the job such as the use of telehealth services and the increase in specialties, genetic counseling has existed in some form for a long time.
Before the 1960s
In an ancient Jewish text called The Talmud, mothers were advised to not have their sons circumcised if they had two previous sons that died of blood loss after having the procedure. This response to a condition now known as hemophilia is an example of an earlier form of genetic counseling. The document also considered epilepsy to be hereditary and prohibited marriages to people who had the condition. This appears to be an unfortunate example of ancient preconception counseling, as the text forbids these marriages based on them being damaging to the future of the community.
In the 20th century, clinics existed that would provide genetic information to families. However, the term “genetic counseling” did not exist until a biologist and human geneticist named Sheldon C. Reed came up with the term to describe his work answering genetics questions from physicians and families. He heavily favored this over the term “genetic hygiene.”
The 1960s Through the 1970s
In 1969, the administrators at Sarah Lawrence College began to consider introducing a genetic counseling master’s degree program. It was then falsely reported by New York Times Magazine that the program would be started. The college received many requests and, as a result, launched the program that same year. Eight students graduated in 1971 and most took jobs as genetic counselors. Genetic counselors at the time worked under the supervision of medical geneticists. The National Society of Genetic Counselors was also incorporated within the same decade.
Now
There are now over 50 accredited genetic counseling programs in North America and students who graduate are expected to collaborate with geneticists rather than work under them. Top specialties include adult cancer, prenatal, pediatrics, preconception, and adult general genetic counseling. The people within these areas can work in person but many of them have the opportunity to do part or even all of their job remotely. Satisfaction as well as the growth within the profession are high which are indicators that it will continue to develop and expand.
