#111: NSGC 2019 Recap

The National Society of Genetic Counselors celebrated 40 years at this year’s annual conference! In 2019, we surpassed having 5,000 genetic counselors in the US/Canada! We now have 45 genetic counseling graduate programs in the US and 40 more international.In this podcast episode we recap highlights from the sessions and tips for new attendees next year. Below are some of our talking points and resources we mentioned in the episode. Also check out #NSGC19 on Twitter to read more insight from the conference.Should All Women With Breast Cancer Be Offered Genetic Testing?Panel: Dr Mark Robson from MSK, Dr Peter Beitsch from the Dallas Surgical Group, Sue Friedman founder of FORCE.Moderators: Dr. Lisa Madlensky from UC San Diego and Dr. David Euhus from Johns HopkinsMain points of the talk included…Clinical utilityInformed consent vs informed assentResearch vs diagnosticConcordant vs discordant resultsAccessibility and information givingProvider education and utilization of genetic counseling skillsetNCCN GuidelinesEmerging Therapies for Adult-Onset Neurologic Diseases: Possibilities, Pitfalls And Patient ImpactDr. Sonia VallabhPrion Alliance’s WebsiteWIRED’s article, “One Couple’s Tireless Crusade to Stop a Genetic Killer”The Guardian’s article, “The Lawyer Who Became A Scientist To Find A Cure For Her Fatal Disease.”Enabling The Beautiful Uncertainty of Life: My Journey With PGT-MLee Cooper, JDLee’s article in STAT News, “Genetic Testing Plus IVF Can Sidestep Genetic Disease And Reduce The Need For High-Priced Therapies.”The Institute For Genetic Disease PreventionIn Utero Stem Cell Transplantation: Historical Context, Present State And The Future Of Fetal Molecular TherapiesBillie Rachael Lianoglou, MS, UCSF Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision MedicineTIME Magazine Feature, “Scientists Are Developing New Ways to Treat Disease With Cells, Not Drugs.”Clinical Trial for Alpha Thalassemia MajorUCSF Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine’s WebsiteHot Topics In Teratology: Zika, Marijuana, and Maternal Therapies For Genetic DiseaseVictoria Wagner, MS, CGC, Myla Ashfaq, CGC, Jennifer Lemons, CGC all from McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas HealthCDC’s Zika General Resources and Pregnancy ResourcesMother To Baby (DNA Today Interview with MTB)Marijuana in Pregnancy Fact SheetConference TipsExhibit hall for networking, free genetics apparel, job board, professional and fun photos.Wear layers because lecture halls are freezing.Lunch sessions are free and sponsored by labs.Prioritize select sessions, there is too much to do everything.Attend a Special Interest Group (SIG), you don’t have to be a member.Follow and join conversations on Twitter (#NSGC19 and #gcchat)Students, job hunt utilizing the job board (in the middle of the exhibit hall) and hand out your resume. If there is a meet up with a specific company/hospital you are interested in working with/at, then go check it out!The PanelMichael Peneycad is a second year graduate student at the Joan H. Marks Program in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College, originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He earned his B.S. in Cell & Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan and spent time as adjunct faculty at Grand Valley State University before relocating to New York City in 2014. Michael has been involved in many industries including entertainment, events, automotive, and health care in his time before entering graduate school, working with companies such as Spectrum Health Medical Group, Mazda, Jaguar/Land Rover, Chanel, Google, and Target. Michael has also spent years performing in musicals, commercials, and voice-overs during the time between his academic studies. His professional interests include cancer genetics, patient and provider education, and public health initiatives. You can follow Michael on Twitter and Instagram. Go Blue!Ashlyn Enokian is a second year genetic counseling student from Brighton, Michigan. She earned her BS in Biology and