Description:

The field of medical genetics is rapidly changing. As understanding of the human genome and its role in health and human disease continues to expand, so do the indications and demand for genetic testing. Genetics services in Canada are experiencing unsustainable pressures, demonstrated through growing waitlists, while the genetics workforce remains stable. Concurrently, jurisdictions are expanding access to genomic testing to non-geneticist clinicians, with testing volumes expected to increase in response. The genetics service, and those who work in it, must adapt and rise to the meet the needs of this new era.

In this session we will discuss the genetics service in the era of genomic medicine. Through an interdisciplinary panel, including both late and early career panelists from coast-to-coast, we will explore the evolving roles of the medical geneticist, genetic counselor, and clinical laboratory geneticist. Panelists will discuss ongoing projects exploring professional identity, the delivery of genetics services, and the positioning of the genetics service in the diagnostic care pathway. We will work towards a shared vision around the future of genetics service delivery in Canada, and the unique and valuable role the genetics service plays in the broader health system.

Objectives

At the end of the session, participants will be able to:

  • Describe a shared vision around the future of these professions and the delivery of genetics services in Canada.
  • Compare the evolving roles of medical geneticists, genetic counsellors, and clinical laboratory scientists in the era of genomic medicine.
  • Identify the factors and pressures shaping the roles of genetic healthcare providers, including access to genomic sequencing.
  • Create a shared vision around the future of these professions and the delivery of genetics services in Canada.
  • Discuss the impact of genomic sequencing on the roles of genetic healthcare providers.
  • Describe and compare the evolving roles of medical geneticists, genetic counselors, and clinical laboratory scientists in the era of genomic medicine.
  • Determine how the genetics service fits within the wider health system as access to genomic sequencing increases across the country.

Speaker: Dr. Michael Mackley, Dr. Kym Boycott, Dr. Alison Elliot, Angela Krutish, Dr. Jillian Parboosingh, Dr. Heleen Arts 

Event Timeslots (1)

Day 2
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KC 101-103-105 - Dr. Michael Mackley, Dr. Kym Boycott, Dr. Alison Elliot, Angela Krutish, Dr. Jillian Parboosingh, Dr. Heleen Arts