What does a genetic counselor do?
Genetics is a branch of science that involves the study of the human genome. Genetic counselors are those genetic experts who utilize cutting-edge knowledge of genetics for prediction, assessing, and analyzing the risk of disease among families, individuals, and populations. They mainly deal directly with the patients to update clients about all potential risks and advantages inherent in their genetics, especially in those cases where couples are trying to have children together.
A genetic counselor uses genetic information from any individual to evaluate the risks for any hereditary conditions. Typically a genetic counselor’s job and responsibilities vary based on their specific positions. While some of them work in laboratories carrying out hands-on genetic work, others depend on the genetic result of other scientists to aggregate and analyze the information for the benefit of clients.
A genetic counselor might work with some of the specific communities, or they might work in large hospitals. Some work with their clients to assess the disease risk assisting them in understanding the risks and develop treatment plans.
Many genetic counselors work not only to predict the risks involved but also to mitigate all the effects of the genetic conditions of those already diagnosed.
