Genetic Counselor

Role Overview

The Genetic Counselor provides expert genetic risk assessment, counseling, patient education, and care coordination for individuals and families affected by inherited cancer syndromes, particularly focusing on hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. This role integrates with the Breast Care Center's multidisciplinary team to guide genetic testing decisions, interpret complex results, and develop personalized prevention and surveillance plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform detailed genetic risk assessments by compiling comprehensive personal and family medical histories and constructing pedigrees.
• Identify candidates at elevated risk for hereditary breast, ovarian, and other cancer syndromes to determine suitability for genetic testing.
• Provide pre- and post-genetic test counseling that ensures patients comprehend risks, benefits, limitations, and implications of testing.
• Conduct counseling with cultural sensitivity, maintaining confidentiality and supporting patients emotionally throughout their care.
• Arrange genetic testing aligned with clinical guidelines and protocols.
• Analyze and interpret genetic test outcomes, including pathogenic variants, variants of uncertain significance, and negative results, and clearly communicate these findings to patients and the healthcare team.
• Stay abreast of latest advances in cancer genetics, molecular diagnostics, and precision medicine developments.
• Deliver educational programs to patients, families, and healthcare professionals about hereditary cancers and genetic testing.
• Contribute to institutional efforts in precision medicine, cancer prevention, and public health initiatives.
• Engage in genetics and oncology research activities, data collection, publication efforts, and ongoing professional development.
• Maintain professional certification and competence in hereditary cancer genetics and counseling.

Qualifications and Skills

• Possession of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling, Medical Genetics, Genomics, or a related healthcare discipline.
• Certification or eligibility for certification by a recognized genetic counseling board is preferred.
• Must meet professional licensing requirements as per UAE regulations.
• In-depth knowledge of hereditary cancer syndromes, breast and ovarian cancer risk models, molecular genetics, and clinical ethics.
• Familiarity with Joint Commission International (JCI) standards and healthcare regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional skills in counseling, communication, critical analysis, and interpersonal relations.
• Proven ability to explain complex genetic information clearly and compassionately.
• Strong organizational capability to manage multiple cases within a multidisciplinary setting.

Professional Experience

• At least 3 to 5 years of experience in genetic counseling specifically related to cancer genetics or hereditary cancer programs.
• Preferred experience in breast care, oncology, women’s health, or precision medicine environments.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary clinical teams in tertiary care hospitals is highly valued.
• Competence with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and clinical documentation systems is advantageous.
• Experience in patient education, clinical pathway development, and quality improvement projects is desirable.