Genetic Counseling Theory and Practice I

Catalog description

Students will learn how to structure genetic counseling sessions including the competencies of establishing rapport, contracting, and eliciting patient goals. The teaching of active listening and interviewing skills guides students in responding empathically to patient concerns. Students use role play to practice skills and demonstrate their ability to organize a genetic counseling session. Students will learn chart documentation and practice letter writing. Each student will be responsible for presenting a Genetic Counseling Practice Guideline and leading a class discussion. Through role play and exploration of current practice students learn to adapt genetic counseling skills for alternate service delivery models. Students will gain an appreciation of appropriate professional interactions and expand their understanding of the impact of genetic disease on families. At the end of the semester, all students complete a genetic counseling session with a standardized patient at the Experiential Learning and Assessment Center at the Perelman School of Medicine. The highly skilled staff ensures safe, measurable, and authentic learning with qualified standardized patients.