Genetic Counsellor
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Genetics is a field of biology that studies genes,
heredity, and genetic variation. Genetic variation includes how genes become
mutated or are involved in disease and aging. Environmental genetics
examines how environmental factors interact with genes to cause disease, or
enhance the adaptation
of a species to its environment.
A geneticist is a science who studies genes,
including how they are inherited, mutated, activated, or inactivated. They
often study the role that genes play in disease and health. Environmental
geneticists specialize in studying the interactions between genes and
environmental factors that lead to adverse health effects, disease, and
aging.
ANZSCO ID: 253399
Alternative names: Clinical Geneticist,
Knowledge, skills and attributes
To become a geneticist, you would need:
- an enquiring mind
- practical scientific knowledge and skills
- good IT skills
- the ability to think clearly and logically
- to work well as part of a team
- good problem-solving skills.
(Source:
Career Girls)
Duties and Tasks
Geneticists study the inheritance of traits. They may focus on these events
at the molecular, organism, or population level. Some treat people with
genetic disorders. Many environmental geneticists try to understand how
environmental factors or exposures interact with genes to cause disease.
Environmental genetics often deals with
epigenetics - the process by which parts of the genome can be "turned on" or
"turned off" by external environmental factors. While many traits are set in
stone by genes, others are more flexible and may or may not end up being
expressed. For example, if you're predisposed to a certain condition or
trait due to your genetic makeup, you may or may not develop it on your own.
However, being exposed to certain environmental factors such as diet and
stress may cause that part of your genome to activate and be expressed. For
example, genetics may make some people more susceptible to adverse health
effects related to environmental factors like air pollution. Many
environmental geneticists study how these interactions work.
Others study ecological genetics to expand our understanding of the role
genetics plays in species' adaptations to changing environments. Ecological
geneticists use population genetics for the conservation, management, and
genetic improvement of species. For example, they calculate the reproduction
and survival rates of a species or community. They use their knowledge of
genetics to identify at-risk species and increase their genetic diversity.
Some research how to genetically engineer plants that can adapt to climate
change.
Geneticists may choose to teach post-graduate university studies, but many
go into applied or theoretical research in order to consult in their area of
specialization. They evaluate, test, and diagnose patients who have
hereditary conditions, gene mutations, and genetic risks.
Additionally, they serve as a resource to refer
patients experiencing genetic complications to other medical professionals
for direct treatment of a genetic condition.
While jobs do vary, most geneticists find that the
following list of tasks falls under their scope of practice:
Regardless of specialty, most geneticists perform
many of the same tasks. For example,
- They plan or conduct
genetic research on gene expression and other topics.
- They keep laboratory notebooks that record
their research methodology, procedures, and results.
- They review and interpret lab results
using mathematical and statistical methods.
- Geneticists must keep up with scientific
literature to learn about new methods, tools, and results in the field,
and use that information to inform their own research.
- They often write grants or attend
fundraising events to fund their research projects.
- They share their research results by
writing academic journal articles and presenting at professional
conferences.
- Test patients for gene or hereditary
markers for a variety of risks and mutations
- Assess and consult with potential patients
regarding genetic risks and potential mutations
- Review scientific literature and research
to stay abreast of updates to the field
- Counsel patients hat have familial or
personal histories of gene mutation
- Counsel patients who may have abnormal
screenings or test results
- Help patients determine best treatment or
planning course of action
- Consult with other healthcare providers,
advocates, and community partners in order to educate and advocate for
patients
- Assist colleagues and peers with research
endeavors
- Assist with laboratory support and
maintenance to ensure health and safety requirements are met
(Source:
Biochain)
Senior geneticists often have broader
responsibilities that include management of a lab or healthcare team. Such
responsibilities often include:
- Consulting with policy-makers and other
stakeholders regarding the use and interpretation of genetic information
- Advising outside agencies and researchers
- Creating scientific reports and articles
for internal or external partners or the general public
- Engaging in the design and development of
data collection and analysis techniques
- Providing input for software programs to
support predictive modeling of gene expressions
- Planning, organizing, and participating in
community outreach programs for people who have been impacted by genetic
risk and mutation
- Ensuring that systems and methods of
design, planning, data analysis, modeling and projections, associated
documentation and development meet the goals of the workgroup and
stakeholders
- Creating funding applications and
reporting to senior administrators
- Overseeing team budgets, milestones, and
systems
- Assisting and mentoring team members
- Establishing valid and efficient workgroup
protocols
- Ensure standards of confidentiality are
met in the healthcare setting
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