PROGRAM NEWS AND EVENTS
Class of 2011: Research
Our research program is driven by the interests of the individual student and takes advantage of the wide variety of genetics initiatives on the University of Michigan campus and within the state of Michigan. The goals of the research project are to improve critical thinking skills, provide firsthand experience of the research process, and contribute knowledge to the field of genetic counseling. This year's projects included:
- Gina Cowing explored the impact of genetic counseling and genetic testing on health behaviors, coping, and cancer worry in a cohort of patients seen in the U of M Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk Evaluation Clinic. Importantly, her data set includes information related to health behaviors (diet and exercise) and psychological health outcomes one year post counseling and testing and provides important insight into some of the longer term outcomes of genetic counseling and testing.
- Barbara Hamlington utilized data collected as part of the REVEAL (Risk Evaluation and Education for Alzheimer’s disease) study to explore the relationship between disease perceptions and health-promoting activities. The results of her research study are important in understanding how to effectively counsel individuals seeking genetic risk information for complex diseases.
- Rebecca Frysinger completed a university-wide study of undergraduates that explored their interest in genetic testing. This study lays important groundwork in understanding the factors that this population considers when thinking about genetic testing and when and where they might pursue such tests.
- Darcy Huismann developed a collaboration with the Congenital Muscle Disease International Registry and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, psychologists, neurologists and geneticists in order to explore the relationship between autonomy and quality of life in young adults with congenital myopathies and muscular dystrophies. These individuals are at a unique intersection of their lives where they are developmentally becoming more independent, but their condition may be causing them to be more dependent on others. The results of her work will help us adapt genetic counseling practices to meet the specific needs of this population.
- Jessica Ordonez is passionate about exploring international perspectives in genetic counseling practice. In pursuit of this goal, her research is on parental communication in a Chilean genetic counseling setting. This qualitative study is seeking to describe the structure of the communication process in genetics encounters in Chile. The study also aims to determine the role of the communication process in parental coping with a child’s genetic diagnosis. Insights from current genetic counseling practice in Chile will make valuable contributions to the expanding body of knowledge about transnational genetic counseling.
Jessica Ordonez Travels to Chile for a Summer Internship
Born and raised in Southwest Colombia, 2011 program graduate Jessica Ordonez is passionate about integrating her linguistic and cultural background into her training in genetic counseling and expanding genetic counseling services in underserved populations. During the summer of 2010, Jessica completed a summer clinical internship with the Center of Human Genetics, Universidad del Desarrollo in Santiago, Chile. She has this to say about her rotation:
“The 7-week rotation proved to be an incredible journey where I gained first-hand exposure to the process of initiating services and training programs at a site where the profession is not yet solidified. The challenge allowed me to educate not only our patients but also health professionals and researchers about the value of genetic counseling services. I actively participated in scientific meetings, case conferences and journal clubs where, in addition to sharing my perspectives as a genetic counseling student in the US, I learned about how health professionals approach genetic services in a Spanish-speaking environment, and a traditionally paternalistic health-service model. I am hopeful that this experience opens up lines of communication and partnership between the international and US-based genetics community. The internship was an educational exchange that enhanced not only my experience as a student and soon-to-be practicing counselor, but also that of my supervisors.” Jessica is optimistic about playing a role in expanding genetic counseling services to underserviced Latin American countries.
Barbara Biesecker: Recipient of the Inaugural Diane Baker Alumni Award
We are thrilled to announce Barbara Biesecker (UMGCP Class of 1981) was the recipient of the 2010 Diane Baker Alumni Award. Those nominating Barbara for this award describe her as a true pioneer, working to move the field forward and “chart ways genetic counselors can strive to provide the most comprehensive and integrated care to their clients and families.” These efforts are evident in her exemplary teaching, clinical, research and professional activities.
Founding and directing the John Hopkins University/NHGRI Genetic Counseling Training Program in 1993 represents the fulfillment of one of Barb’s early career goals. In this position, Barb has created a world-class training program that emphasizes the centrality of a client’s psychological and educational needs. In the clinical arena, Barb’s work has focused largely on Pediatric Genetics where she strives to provide psychotherapeutically-grounded genetic counseling services. As one alumnus commented, “when other genetic counselors were just discovering Carl Rogers’ theoretical framework, Barb was already incorporating advanced client-centered counseling techniques and adopting methods of other theories in her practice.” Barb is also passionate about her research endeavors which explore the quality of life of individuals with genetic conditions and the process and outcomes of genetic counseling and informed consent. Finally, Barb has been a leader in local and national efforts to promote our profession. Barb served as NSGC President (1989-1990), on the editorial board of Clinical Genetics, Journal of Genetic Counseling, and Genomic Medicine, and has contributed to a variety of committees, consortia, and working groups at the NIH, National Marfan Foundation and American Society of Human Genetics.
Barb’s accomplishments and contributions to the field of genetic counseling in teaching, research, and clinical care exemplify the Michigan tradition of being the “Leaders and the Best.” Barb’s award was recognized during the Inaugural Alumni lecture on January 10, 2011.
Genetic Counseling Supervision Workshop: Focusing our Supervision
The University of Michigan Genetic Counseling Program hosted another successful day-long supervision workshop in collaboration with our colleagues at Wayne State University. Over 40 genetic counselors from Michigan and Ohio were in attendance, with the goal of improving the supervision of genetic counseling students in their clinics. Our guests, Drs Jennifer Christner, Heather Burrows, and Jocelyn Schiller from the Department of Pediatrics, gave us insight on how they assist struggling students in the clinic, and Dr. Stuart Segal, the director of the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities, led a discussion on how to recognize and support students with disabilities. Our own colleagues Angela Trepanier, Monica Marvin, and Carin Yates led discussions and provided tools for supervisors to be more effective. Anne Greb and Michelle Cichon reminded us of the objectives in genetics education and compared and contrasted the goals of genetic counselors, medical students, and genetics residents. We thank everyone in attendance for their commitment to teaching and shaping the next generation of genetic counselors!
Wolverine Health Explorers
A Guide to Genetic Counseling, 2nd Edition
Chapters by leaders in the field of genetic counseling provide the most up-to-date coverage of the practical, historical and applied aspects of genetic counseling practice. Topics include family history, interviewing, case preparation and management, psychosocial counseling, patient education, risk communication, decision making, medical genetics evaluation, understanding genetic testing, medical documentation, multicultural counseling, ethical and legal issues, student supervision, genetic counseling research, professional development, genetics education and out-reach, evolving roles and expanding opportunities, and case examples.
Ann Madeo
Class of 1999
We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of alumna Anne Madeo. Anne spent the last eight years working at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) in Bethesda, MD and just recently accepted a new position as the Associate Director of the Johns Hopkins University/National Human Genome Research Institute (JHU/NHGRI) Genetic Counseling Training Program.
In her new position at the JHU/NHGRI Genetic Counseling Training Program, Anne joins U of M alumna, Barbara B. Biesecker (Class of '83), Program Director. Anne's responsibilities include teaching and overseeing clinical training of the genetic counseling students. Anne is also an investigator in the social and behavioral research branch of NHGRI, where she will be conducting her own research related to the genetic counseling process.
In her spare time, Anne enjoys knitting, yoga, baking, and spending time with her family, including her husband and two sons, Izzy and Niki. Anne’s indulgences include taking advantage of Ann Arbor’s Zingerman’s Deli mail order service!