Two outstanding research institutions-- the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and The Johns Hopkins University (JHU)-- are collaborating to offer a unique graduate training program in genetic counseling that addresses the growing need for genetic counseling services. Since its inception, the Program has produced a cadre of genetic counselors who are broadening the scope of genetic counseling. These graduates have made significant contributions to a growing research literature that critically examines important aspects of the profession, thereby shaping future directions for the field. The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health provides a strong academic home for the Program, while NHGRI provides funding, practical instruction, and leadership. This collaborative Program, which obtained the first allocation of federal funds to support graduate education in genetic counseling, represents an important effort towards addressing the challenges associated with advances in genomic technologies. Program Description The 2.5 year program leads to a master of science degree (Sc.M.) in genetic counseling from the Department of Health, Behavior and Society at The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. This program consists of coursework taken at NIH and JHU, a minimum of 400 contact hours of supervised clinical rotations in a variety of settings, and completion of an original research thesis. The length of the program, the variety of coursework and the extent of the thesis study prepare students beyond what is available from most genetic counseling programs. Graduates qualify to sit for the certification exam from the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$686,566
Indirect Cost
Name
National Human Genome Research Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
Zip Code
Shapira, Rachel; Turbitt, Erin; Erby, Lori H et al. (2018) Adaptation of couples living with a high risk of breast/ovarian cancer and the association with risk-reducing surgery. Fam Cancer 17:485-493
Umstead, Kendall L; Kalia, Sarah S; Madeo, Anne C et al. (2018) Social comparisons and quality of life following a prostate cancer diagnosis. J Psychosoc Oncol 36:350-363
Baxter, Melanie; Erby, Lori; Roter, Debra et al. (2017) Health screening behaviors among adults with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia in North America. Genet Med 19:659-666
Turriff, Amy; Macnamara, Ellen; Levy, Howard P et al. (2017) The Impact of Living with Klinefelter Syndrome: A Qualitative Exploration of Adolescents and Adults. J Genet Couns 26:728-737
Solomon, Ilana; Harrington, Elizabeth; Hooker, Gillian et al. (2017) Lynch Syndrome Limbo: Patient Understanding of Variants of Uncertain Significance. J Genet Couns 26:866-877
Kohler, Jennefer N; Turbitt, Erin; Biesecker, Barbara B (2017) Personal utility in genomic testing: a systematic literature review. Eur J Hum Genet 25:662-668
Lamb, Amanda E; Biesecker, Barbara B; Umstead, Kendall L et al. (2016) Family functioning mediates adaptation in caregivers of individuals with Rett syndrome. Patient Educ Couns 99:1873-1879
Turriff, Amy; Levy, Howard P; Biesecker, Barbara (2015) Factors associated with adaptation to Klinefelter syndrome: the experience of adolescents and adults. Patient Educ Couns 98:90-5
Schaa, Kendra L; Roter, Debra L; Biesecker, Barbara B et al. (2015) Genetic counselors' implicit racial attitudes and their relationship to communication. Health Psychol 34:111-9
Hooker, Gillian W; Peay, Holly; Erby, Lori et al. (2014) Genetic literacy and patient perceptions of IBD testing utility and disease control: a randomized vignette study of genetic testing. Inflamm Bowel Dis 20:901-8

Showing the most recent 10 out of 18 publications