The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has launched the NSGC Digital Ambassador Program (#NSGCGenePool) to bring together social media influencers in the genetics field. The group consists of 15 ambassadors, including our President/CEO, Ellen Matloff. These ambassadors each have a unique perspective and knowledge in various areas of genetics and genetic counseling. The goal of this new program is to help raise awareness about the role of genetic counselors and to promote interest among their networks.

Colleen Caleshu led our first TweetChat on Thursday, May 25th, and we were joined by many other Digital Ambassadors as well. Check out the highlights of our conversation below! Want to read the entire discussion? Here's the transcript.

Before we get started, please take a moment to introduce yourselves to the group! #NSGCGenePool
— Genetic Counselors (@GeneticCouns) May 25, 2017

I'm Ellen Matloff, a certified genetic counselor, President & CEO of @MyGeneCounsel, home of digital genetic counseling. #NSGCGenePool
— Ellen T. Matloff (@MyGeneCounsel) May 25, 2017

Hi All - I'm an advocate and CHEK2 mutation previvor. I co-founded #gyncsm w/ fellow #NSGCgenepool ambassador @womenofteal.
— Christina Lizaso (@btrfly12) May 25, 2017

Hi! I'm one of the #NSGCGenePool ambassadors. I'm a genetic counselor in cardiology, specialized in arrhythmias & cardiomyopathies.
— Colleen Caleshu (@colleencaleshu) May 25, 2017

This is Muin Khoury, Director of the Office of Public Health Genomics.
Glad to be part of the #NSGCgenepool pic.twitter.com/pxKRtt14fE
— Dr. Muin Khoury (@DrKhouryCDC) May 25, 2017

A1: I get to demystify genetics for the public as I travel around doing book talks. #NSGCGenePool
— Bonnie Rochman (@brochman) May 25, 2017

Q1: The #NSGCGenePool is a group of individuals with unique perspectives in genetics. What role does genetics play in your day-to-day life?
— Genetic Counselors (@GeneticCouns) May 25, 2017

A1: I just learned of my genetic mutation in January, so genetics for now is on my mind daily as I take next steps. #nsgcgenepool
— Christina Lizaso (@btrfly12) May 25, 2017

Q1: At @MyGeneCounsel we are creating affordable scalable digital genetic counseling. Lots of business and planning meetings. #NSGCGenePool
— Ellen T. Matloff (@MyGeneCounsel) May 25, 2017

A1 Aside from helping patients navigate genetics issues daily, I’m rearing 2 beings who I’m told R 50% me #questioninggenetics #NSGCGenePool https://t.co/HaIvQ2zrS5
— Chicago Genetics (@chicagogenetics) May 25, 2017

A1: CDC’s Office of Public Health Genomics is in the forefront of using genomics to improve population health. #NSGCgenepool
— Dr. Muin Khoury (@DrKhouryCDC) May 25, 2017

A1: As an #ovca advocate I speak freq to others dx with the disease about genetic testing and new targeted therapies #nsgcgenepool
— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) May 25, 2017

A1: I teach physicians the power and limitations of genetics and how to implement genetic testing in their practice. #nsgcgenepool
— Jeanette McCarthy (@Genomeducator) May 25, 2017

A1 Support people and provide resources daily...always emphasizing the importance of certified #geneticcounseling #genetics #NSGCGenePool
— Amy Byer Shainman (@BRCAresponder) May 25, 2017

Q3: What genetics news has caught your eye recently? What do you think the public should know about it? #NSGCGenePool
— Genetic Counselors (@GeneticCouns) May 25, 2017

A3 A lot in news about direct-2-consumer testing. Many potential pitfalls. SUPER impt 2 speak 2 a GC B4 spitting into the tube #NSGCGenePool
— Chicago Genetics (@chicagogenetics) May 25, 2017

A3 Also issues w/ H.R.1313 & genetic discrimination. Keep an eye on this issue. Has potential 2 undermine current protections #NSGCGenePool
— Chicago Genetics (@chicagogenetics) May 25, 2017

A3: Many reports about misinterpretation of #genetictesting and the harm it can do. People need #geneticcounseling. #NSGCGenePool
— Ellen T. Matloff (@MyGeneCounsel) May 25, 2017

A3 genetic tests being incorrectly reported leading to unnecessary surgery. #nsgcgenepool
— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) May 25, 2017

Yes, @womenofteal ! Unnecessary surgeries, cancers diagnosed late, and even unnecessary pregnancy terminations. #NSGCGenePool https://t.co/qjkVn1zgSq
— Ellen T. Matloff (@MyGeneCounsel) May 25, 2017

A3: Recent discussion on breast surgeons doing genetic counseling to fill gap. It's more complicated.. https://t.co/2e1A3YXKEe #nsgcgenepool
— Christina Lizaso (@btrfly12) May 25, 2017

A3 FDA approval of short list of DNA health results is major news in the world of #personalgenomics & consumer-driven testing. #NSGCGenePool
— Brianne Kirkpatrick (@GCBrianne) May 25, 2017

Q4: Some #NSGCGenePool members are genetic counselors. If you're one, can you describe a bit about what your role is in healthcare?
— Genetic Counselors (@GeneticCouns) May 25, 2017

A4: As a genetic counselor in cardiology I'm part of a team of GCs, nurses, MDs & psychol'ts specialized in genetic ♥ disease #NSGCGenePool https://t.co/21C29cGb25
— Colleen Caleshu (@colleencaleshu) May 25, 2017

A4: I eval their family history; choose, order & interpret genetic tests; recommend ♥ test for their kids & relatives #NSGCGenePool https://t.co/k0iOzEYOcM
— Colleen Caleshu (@colleencaleshu) May 25, 2017

A4: My role in healthcare is creating scalable, affordable digital genetic counseling platform to supplement #genetictesting. #NSGCGenePool
— Ellen T. Matloff (@MyGeneCounsel) May 25, 2017

A4 I see pts w/personal or family cancer history to identify hereditary cancer syndromes. Results may alter surgery/screening #NSGCGenePool https://t.co/1S04ectM7x
— Rebekah Moore MS LGC (@GeneticsRebekah) May 25, 2017

A4: I design and coordinate research programs to ensure patients w/ cancer get standard of care referrals to @GeneticCouns #nsgcgenepool https://t.co/1FZoJ8Ullz
— Erica Bednar (@EMBOSU) May 25, 2017

Q6: The #NSGCGenePool wants people to understand how genetic counselors can help them make healthcare decisions. How did one help you?
— Genetic Counselors (@GeneticCouns) May 25, 2017

A6 Multiple #geneticcounselors let me shadow them years ago 2 reinforce my interest and desire 2 become a GC. #THANKYOU #NSGCGenePool https://t.co/YBsWE2hSVj
— Chicago Genetics (@chicagogenetics) May 25, 2017

A6: Genetic counselors can make sense of data, statistics and help patients understand risk vs. certainty. #nsgcgenepool
— Bonnie Rochman (@brochman) May 25, 2017

A6: I'm so grateful to my aunt's genetic counselors who had her re-tested years later as more breast cancer genes identified. #nsgcgenepool
— Christina Lizaso (@btrfly12) May 25, 2017

A6: Because they re-tested my aunt and found a mutation, I FINALLY did my testing which I had been putting off. #nsgcgenepool
— Christina Lizaso (@btrfly12) May 25, 2017

Q7: As a member of the #NSGCGenePool, what do you hope to help people understand about the role of genetics and genetic counseling?
— Genetic Counselors (@GeneticCouns) May 25, 2017

A7: Testing w/o counseling can leave you w/ info but maybe not comprehensive knowledge on what it means for you going forward. #nsgcgenepool
— Christina Lizaso (@btrfly12) May 25, 2017

A7: Also if you are looking for a medical career that includes science, helping, & constant learning then become a GC! #NSGCGenePool
— Colleen Caleshu (@colleencaleshu) May 25, 2017

A7: I hope people understand that you can have genetic counseling, even if you don't choose #genetictesting. #NSGCGenePool
— Ellen T. Matloff (@MyGeneCounsel) May 25, 2017

A7: genetic counselors can aid patients in understanding their risk for disease in this ever changing health care environment. #nsgcgenepool
— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) May 25, 2017

A7:#geneticcounseling is important even for people who test negative on #genetictesting. Sometimes most important.
#NSGCGenePool
— Ellen T. Matloff (@MyGeneCounsel) May 25, 2017

Genetics is not destiny. Testing is loosely regulated & not all tests r predictive. GCs are a trusted source of genetic info. #NSGCGenePool
— Jeanette McCarthy (@Genomeducator) May 25, 2017

Q8: What do you envision for the future of genetics? #NSGCGenePool
— Genetic Counselors (@GeneticCouns) May 25, 2017

A8: The future of #genetics? Digital genetic counseling will be used to ensure genetic counseling is affordable and scalable. #NSGCGenePool
— Ellen T. Matloff (@MyGeneCounsel) May 25, 2017

A8 Newborn screening will test for all genetic dz w/ genome sequencing & medicine will move towards prevention vs. treatment #NSGCGenePool
— Chicago Genetics (@chicagogenetics) May 25, 2017

A8: Future of genetics - I envision genetic counselors embedded in every medical setting, including primary care. #NSGCGenePool https://t.co/p7POqCUVOG
— Colleen Caleshu (@colleencaleshu) May 25, 2017

A8: Future of genetics? We will all be offered #genetictesting at age 21 to guide screening and risk reduction. #NSGCGenePool
— Ellen T. Matloff (@MyGeneCounsel) May 25, 2017

Q8: We envision the integration of community/public health and precision genomics to maximize health -- especially in kids! #nsgcgenepool
— Cincy Kids Genomics (@CincyKidsGenomX) May 25, 2017

Q10: What can someone who has a passion for genetics do to get involved on an advocacy or professional level? #NSGCGenePool
— Genetic Counselors (@GeneticCouns) May 25, 2017

A10. Participate in research! Diversity is critical to fully understand the role of genomics in disease! #nsgcgenepool
— Cincy Kids Genomics (@CincyKidsGenomX) May 25, 2017

A10: If you are smart and like #genetics and #psychology, join the field of genetic counseling! We need you! #STEM #NSGCGenePool
— Ellen T. Matloff (@MyGeneCounsel) May 25, 2017

I think this needs to start with us! More GC training in precision medicine! Precision med clinical rotations! WE need to make our own space https://t.co/GYrdl1jbJH
— Rachel Mills (@doublehelixTAT) May 25, 2017

A10 Contact a local GC 2 learn more about the profession, ask 4 a shadowing experience & speak 2 a director of a GC program #NSGCGenePool
— Chicago Genetics (@chicagogenetics) May 25, 2017

Yes! We need more GCs... and we are getting more GCs! Explosion of training programs -> increase in size of the workforce. #NSGCGenePool https://t.co/CNiUOqDabq
— Colleen Caleshu (@colleencaleshu) May 25, 2017

Have a question or comment you didn’t get to contribute? Please post in the comments below or tweet using the hashtag, #NSGCGenePool.

Keep up with upcoming discussion and other genetics news by following us on Twitter and Facebook along with our fellow NSGC Digital Ambassadors:

@BRCAresponder @brochman @GCBrianne @colleencaleshu @dawallach @AliveAndKicknDD @womenofteal @ShewithLynch @Genomeducator @DrKhouryCDC @GeneticsRebekah @RobertCGreen @chicagogenetics