The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has launched the second year of its NSGC Digital Ambassador Program. This program highlights advocates and providers in the genetics field who raise awareness about the role of genetic counseling and promote their shared interest across their networks. The group consists of 15 influencers, including our President/CEO, Ellen Matloff, who all have unique perspectives and knowledge in genetics and genetic counseling.
The second annual #NSGCGenePool tweetchat was held recently and explored the importance of genetic counselors in the genetic testing process, our strong partnership with the advocacy community, and our passion that drives raising awareness for these topics.
Check out the highlights of our conversation below!
A1 Opportunity! The field of #genetics opens so many opportunities for advancing #prevention #research #outcomes #patient #decisionmaking and many others #NSGCGenePool https://t.co/dZK9oUaHNp
— Marleah Dean Kruzel, PhD (@marleahdeank) July 23, 2018
A1: When I think of genetics I think: not black and white, many layers like an onion, importance of patients speaking w/a qualified individual >>>a certified genetic counselor; if concerned about genetic issues (not a just any patient provider). #patients #genetics #NSGCGenePool https://t.co/OLU75IfgBe
— Amy Byer Shainman (@BRCAresponder) July 23, 2018
A3: #DTC or #direct-to-consumer testing. There are few journalists who take the time 2 explain the diff b/w #DTC & clinical #genetictesting. It’s a complicated topic 2 get right if you don’t know all the ins & outs. #NSGCGenePool 1/2 https://t.co/pld57Jz3Mk
— Chicago Genetics (@chicagogenetics) July 23, 2018
A3 Don’t jump into ordering #DirectToConsumer #GeneticTesting (like 23andMe & Ancestry). @GCBrianne offers pros and cons: https://t.co/6o9Mja7WTy @MyGeneCounsel shares accuracy via @Forbes: https://t.co/V4EY8M7BVL
Please, think before you spit. #NSGCGenePool https://t.co/zHAVuUlviy
— DNApodcast (@DNApodcast) July 23, 2018
A3: I think it would be great to raise the understanding of genetics as emerging science. That testing may need to be repeated. That guidelines are constantly updating. That genetic testing is different from genomic testing. #nsgcgenepool https://t.co/xwS8sgaC7B
— Christina Lizaso (@btrfly12) July 23, 2018
A3: I wish more people understood that #geneticcounseling services by a certified provider are available to everyone, in every area of the country, with minimal wait times. If not in person, then by phone. #NSGCGenePool.
— My Gene Counsel (@MyGeneCounsel) July 23, 2018
A3 Yes, 1) that #geneticcounseling and #genetictesting are 2 different things.
Genetic counseling is a conversation. Genetic testing involves analyzing a person’s #DNA 2) Having genetic counseling does not mean one has to have genetic testing. #NSGCGenePool https://t.co/5ABYLayUM1— Amy Byer Shainman (@BRCAresponder) July 23, 2018
THIS! Genetic counseling and testing may be a one-time event or a lifelong interaction with a patient and their family. Family history changes, testing and intervention options change. Stay in touch with your GC! #NSGCGenePool https://t.co/EllywrraE2
— Erica Ruth Ramos (@ERamosSD) July 23, 2018
A3: My current mission is to help ppl understand the marketing of genetic testing. For ex, raw data you can access from some test companies is not your whole genome. Even whole genome testing isn’t “whole.” Marketing sells tests but U must learn to be a savvy buyer! #NSGCGenePool
— Brianne Kirkpatrick (@GCBrianne) July 23, 2018
A4: Genetic counselors are indispensable tour guides in an ever-evolving world in which increasing numbers of people are trying to understand their genetic testing results. #nsgcgenepool
— Bonnie Rochman (@brochman) July 23, 2018
A5 TI'd like people to understand that a genetic counselor helps you understand your risk based on your genetic test results and family history which can help guide you to better health. #NSGCGenePool
— Dee Sparacio (@womenofteal) July 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/EmilyFassi/status/1021464000318472192
A5: I hope people understand that not all #genetic tests are created equally, and that certified genetic counselors can help you figure out which genetic test is best for you, and how to understand and use your test results. #NSGCGenePool
— My Gene Counsel (@MyGeneCounsel) July 23, 2018
A5 A #GeneticCounselors’ role is as a navigator in #patients’ journeys. To educate and provide resources so people can make informed decisions. This is not limited to #prenatal & #cancer settings, but a long list including #rarediseases, #cardiovascular, #pediatric. #NSGCGenePool https://t.co/aB4xoTvfB5
— DNApodcast (@DNApodcast) July 23, 2018
A5: Genetic counselors are like the Uber/Lyft/taxi driver for your genetic information. We know you can get yourself from pt A to B and should be in control, but if you call us, we can help get you there a lot easier, faster, w less stress. We want to help. #NSGCGenePool
— Brianne Kirkpatrick (@GCBrianne) July 23, 2018
A6 for #lynchsyndrome, obviously there's my org @AliveAndKicknDD and the Registry. I also work with @HCCtakesguts and @lynchsyndrome . Since 2 of my 3 cancers have been colon, I'm also involved with @TheColonClub @GYRIG and @FightCRC #nsgcgenepool
— DaveisAliveAndKickn (@AliveAndKicknDD) July 23, 2018
A8: Follow @geneticcouns #NSGCgenepool to get latest info on role of genetic counseling in healthcare. pic.twitter.com/M3NTAbA0YG
— CDC Genomics & Precision Health (@CDC_Genomics) July 23, 2018
Have a question or comment you didn’t get to contribute? Please post in the comments below or tweet using the hashtag, #NSGCGenePool. Want to read more? Check out our recap of last year’s #NSGCGenePool tweetchat.
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 @btrfly12 @AliveAndKicknDD @EmilyFassi @womenofteal @J9_Austin @DNAPodcast @LguzzardiM @marleahdeank @DrKhouryCDC @GeneticsRebekah @chicagogenetics