 |
|
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enetic counselors are part scientist, part
social worker, part |
|
detective and part health care provider.
They work as a member |
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of a team dedicated to counseling families with
birth defects and genetically- |
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inherited health problems, or who are at risk
for developing such diseases or |
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conditions themselves. They help
individuals and families cope with their |
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feelings and make referrals to additional
resources such as larger facilities or |
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treatment centers. Genetic counselors
analyze familial patterns of |
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inheritance and risks of recurrence, and review
the options available to |
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family members that may be affected by an
inherited gene mutation. |
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Because of the rapid advances in genetic
research as a result of the |
|
Human Genome Project and the small number of
training programs |
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nationwide, the demand for genetic counselors
is expected to grow |
|
significantly. |
