Each year on Genetic Counselor Awareness Day, the second Thursday in November, the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) celebrates the essential work of genetic counselors and their contributions to healthcare. During the 8^th annual Genetic Counselor Awareness Day this year, NSGC hosted a livestream moderated by NSGC President Colleen Campbell, PhD, MS, LGC, featuring insights from Angela M. Trepanier, MS, CGC, and Andrew Alfonso, MS, CGC, as they shared their perspectives on critical issues facing the profession.

The livestream highlighted themes of advocacy, inclusion, and workforce resilience, highlighting NSGC’s dedication to advancing the field and ensuring genetic counselors are accessible to all who need them. You can view the livestream recording on LinkedIn or dive into the discussion below about the collective efforts to advocate for a brighter, more inclusive future for genetic counseling.

Addressing Workforce Challenges through Advocacy

Angela, a genetic counseling program director, collaborates with NSGC to address workforce challenges impacting new genetic counselors amid economic and industry changes. Angela played an essential part in gathering data on employment trends from genetic counseling programs nationwide, working closely with NSGC to understand and address these challenges.

Angela is deeply committed to supporting and training the next generation of genetic counselors, ensuring the workforce can meet evolving healthcare needs. She has focused on preparing students for a complex job market and advocating for expanded job opportunities, particularly in clinical settings. For Angela, creating more roles for genetic counselors and fostering a resilient workforce go hand in hand with her work in federal advocacy.

Promoting Inclusion and Belonging through J.E.D.I. Initiatives

Andrew, a genetic counselor and medical science liaison, has played an integral role within NSGC’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Stewardship Committee. During the livestream, he highlighted how J.E.D.I. initiatives are transforming the genetic counseling community to better reflect and serve diverse populations. NSGC’S J.E.D.I. Action Plan—built around six pillars of communication and transparency, the NSGC Annual Conference, partnership and outreach, education and training, policy, and organization-wide changes—guides these efforts. For instance, NSGC has established resources to enhance transparency and accessibility, including updating the J.E.D.I. Action Plan Dashboard quarterly. In education and training, J.E.D.I.-focused webinars, conference bundles, and cultural awareness tools equip counselors to connect with patients from various backgrounds. Additionally, Spanish-language resources on NSGC’s patient-facing websites and outreach activities with students from underrepresented communities illustrate the commitment to inclusivity in practice and patient care.

Andrew also emphasized NSGC’s outreach and partnership efforts, particularly initiatives to attract students from diverse backgrounds to genetic counseling. NSGC collaborates with organizations at career fairs and conferences, builds recruitment materials, and offers financial support through scholarship programs to increase access to the profession. Policy changes, such as lowering the cost of student membership dues and creating leadership development programs, further support a more inclusive NSGC community. Andrew underscored that these initiatives are not just responses to current needs but are also forward-looking measures aimed at building a sustainable foundation for diversity and inclusion in the organization and profession.

Federal Advocacy to Expand Access to Genetic Counseling

A focal point of the livestream discussion was the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act. Both Angela and Andrew view Medicare recognition as vital to the future of genetic counseling. For Angela, this change would enable more genetic counselors to serve in clinical settings, creating new job opportunities and ensuring a stable workforce that can meet patient needs. “Knowing there’s a need for genetic counselors and that the best way to meet it is through adequate reimbursement, we can secure more roles in clinical settings, providing the support that patients deserve,” Angela shared. She emphasized that Medicare recognition would allow healthcare institutions to prioritize genetic counseling roles, creating more job stability for new and existing counselors.

For Andrew, the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act aligns with J.E.D.I. work and the goal of creating a healthcare landscape that is inclusive and accessible to all. Medicare recognition, he noted, would not only support the workforce but also increase access for patients from all backgrounds, particularly those who rely on Medicare for their healthcare. “Increasing access to genetic counseling means reaching underserved communities, ensuring that everyone has a chance to benefit from genetic insights and guidance,” he said.

NSGC’s work toward Medicare recognition is supported by a broad coalition of healthcare advocates, patient organizations, and community partners, all united in the goal of making genetic counseling services accessible to all patients who need them. If successful, this legislation would represent a significant step forward in expanding healthcare options and ensuring that genetic counseling is a fundamental part of the healthcare system.

Act Now to Support Genetic Counseling Advocacy

Genetic Counselor Awareness Da is a celebration of the impact of genetic counseling and a reminder of the work needed to ensure all patients have access to these essential services. Inspired by the dedication of genetic counselors like Angela and Andrew, NSGC invites everyone to join the effort by supporting the Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act. Together, we can help ensure all patients have access to the insights and support genetic counselors provide.

 

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