Genetic Counselor - Maternal Fetal Medicine

Responsibilities

• Provides assessment and care management for genetic counseling patients.
• Gathers and analyzes personal and family medical histories.
• Interprets medical and family histories for the patient.
• Teaches patients about the natural history of hereditary cancer susceptibility syndromes in Cancer Services and the risk of occurrence, recurrence and natural history of genetic conditions or genetic predisposition risk factors in Maternal-Fetal Medicine.
• Interprets laboratory results and suggests follow-up as needed.
• Edits patients about the available choices regarding genetic tests, including the risks, benefits and limitations of each.
• Explores patients' feelings and reactions to the various tests and potential outcomes/possible implications of results.
• Supports and enables patients in making informed decisions that align with their desires, values, and spirituality.
• Advocates with insurance companies for patients requiring specialized genetic testing and makes referrals to other specialists, as needed.
• Provides bereavement support for patients and families, according to their individual needs.
• Communicates the outcome of the genetic counseling session with the patients' healthcare providers via summary correspondence and/or chart documentation shared with the referring physician and by phone if needed.
• Documents all patient care activities in the patient record.
• Facilitates lab testing including the appropriate reference labs and types of testing.
• Tracks labs sent out, results received, and communication with patients and referring physicians' offices.
• In Cancer Services, provides cancer screening recommendations based on personal and/or family history of cancer. In Maternal Fetal Medicine, provides recommendations for follow-up, if indicated.
• In Cancer Services, may attend tumor board, breast pre-treatment conference, and second opinion clinic and other committee meetings. In Maternal Fetal Medicine, may attend various meetings including the Columbus Fetal Medicine Collaborative case conferences.
• May supervise genetic counseling graduate students during clinical rotations at OhioHealth.
• In Cancer Services, may coordinate the immunohistochemistry IH c colon and endometrial cancer screening program or other programs.

Teamwork

• Communicates effectively and works cooperatively with others.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for other disciplines.
• Supports and actively participates in an integrated approach to patient care.
• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team in providing patient care.
• Communicates with referring healthcare providers to ensure continuity of patient care.
• Leadership skills are demonstrated in problem-solving and team collaboration.
• Participates in Performance Improvement activities.
• Works collaboratively with supervisors by performing other duties as requested.
• Adapts to the changing demands of the workplace and assumes a leadership role in supporting co-workers adaptation to change.
• May present cases in interdisciplinary case conferences and incorporates feedback in patient care to maximize patient outcomes.

Outreach and Education

• Provides guidance to referring physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding genetic counseling and testing.
• Consults with physicians and nurses regarding test results and family history, suggesting follow-up courses of action.
• Prepares and presents lectures to nurses, doctors, medical students, and other professional staff regarding genetics as it applies to their scope of practice.
• Provides in-service educational programs to the staff and physicians in obstetrical office practices.
• Participates in talks and interviews in conjunction with Public Relations at OhioHealth.
• Supports the participation of students in observing genetic counseling work, as appropriate.

Professional Development

• Initiates regular contact with professional organizations for genetic counselors.
• Participates in continuing education and maintains board certification.
• Accesses genetics resources from around the United States and the world.