Perspectives offers relevant and cutting-edge information in the field of genetic counseling, as well as news from NSGC. Articles fall into several categories:
Clinical Practice
This section contains commentaries on social, legal and ethical issues in the delivery of patient care as well as developments in practice guidelines and genetic testing technologies.
Research
This section highlights important additions to genetics and genomics research as well as conversations with researchers about their work.
Education
This section shares ideas and reflections related to genetic counseling training and continuing education.
Career & Workforce
This section addresses topics in career growth and development, including personal and professional identity, career paths, reimbursement, licensure, certification and negotiation.
NSGC News
This section includes updates from NSGC Leadership, committees, Special Interest Groups and other society-produced content.
Submitting to Perspectives and FAQs
How do I submit to Perspectives?
We are always looking for contributions to Perspectives! If you are interested in writing an article or sharing an idea for one, please complete the Perspectives submission form.
Who can submit to Perspectives?
While Perspectives authors are largely genetic counselors and genetic counseling trainees, we welcome authors from any professional background to submit articles on topics relevant to genetic counseling.
How do you choose which articles to publish?
The editorial team evaluates each article based on:
- Relevance to the genetic counseling profession,
- Strength and clarity of argument and
- Technical appropriateness and accuracy.
Perspectives editors or committee members may ask for submissions on specific topics.
NSGC Perspectives is aligned with the NSGC DEIB policy and will not publish articles in violation of this policy. Furthermore, the editorial team will prioritize articles that directly address DEIB issues in health care and genetic counseling as part of an ongoing effort to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in these areas.
How do I write an Op-Ed?
There is no one right way to write an Op-Ed. The goal is to be concise, persuasive and evidence-based. We invite you to review the following resources from the Op-Ed project, the New York Times and the Harvard Kennedy School.
Are there any writing guidelines authors should follow?
Details such as word count are noted in the submission form. We recommend reviewing the form prior to writing to ensure all materials are gathered.
Please note that articles will be edited for subject matter expertise, grammar, flow and style, with the author given a chance to review edits. Note that Perspectives follows AP style (e.g., no Oxford comma), except in certain instances unique to our guide (e.g., italicizing genes). Articles will be edited accordingly to ensure consistency across our content hub.
What are common mistakes seen in submissions?
- Writing in a fashion suitable for an academic journal instead of in op-ed style (consider submitting instead to Journal of Genetic Counseling).
- Not keeping the audience in mind (e.g., writing at a level overly technical or overly basic for a genetic counselor audience). Consider that genetic counseling students as well as seasoned professionals will be reading your article.
- Not distinguishing between basis in lived experience and basis in evidence. Although sharing anecdotes to tell a story is encouraged, they should not be the sole basis for an argument.
Who should I list as an author?
To be listed as an author, contributors should:
- Play a key role in developing the idea, gathering information, or analyzing content; AND
- Write or revise the manuscript in a meaningful way; AND
- Approve the final version before submission; AND
- Take responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the work.
Anyone who helped with the article but does not meet the criteria for authorship should be recognized in an "acknowledgments" section. Financial and material support can also be noted.
By submitting to Perspectives, all authors confirm their agreement with these guidelines.
What is the submission process like?
Perspective editors and committee members will provide authors with a decision on their article as well as feedback on an article via email. Authors will always have an opportunity to review the final version of their article before publishing.
Can Perspectives articles be sponsored?
NSGC does allow for-profit and nonprofit companies to author sponsored articles for publication. All requests for sponsored content should go through NSGC Sales Director, Amanda Trainor Patrick and will require a statement or acknowledgement that the article is sponsored.