The Genetic Counselor is responsible for providing specialized genetic risk assessment, counseling, education, and care coordination services for patients and families with hereditary cancer syndromes. The role supports the Breast Care Center's multidisciplinary approach by assessing individual and family cancer risk, facilitating informed decision-making regarding genetic testing, interpreting genetic test results, and coordinating personalized screening, surveillance, and risk-reduction strategies.
Responsibilities:
- Conducts comprehensive genetic risk assessments through detailed personal and family history evaluations and pedigree analysis.
- Identifies individuals and families at increased risk for hereditary breast, ovarian, and other inherited cancer syndromes and determine appropriate genetic testing eligibility.
- Provides pre-test and post-test genetic counseling to facilitate informed decision-making and support patient understanding of genetic risks, testing options, limitations, and implications.
- Delivers counseling services in a culturally sensitive, empathetic, and patient-centered manner while ensuring confidentiality and psychological support throughout the care journey.
- Coordinates appropriate genetic testing in accordance with evidence-based guidelines and established clinical protocols.
- Interprets genetic test results, including pathogenic variants, likely pathogenic variants, variants of uncertain significance (VUS), and negative findings.
- Communicates complex genetic information in a clear and understandable manner to patients, families, and healthcare providers.
- Maintains current knowledge of advances in cancer genetics, molecular diagnostics, and emerging precision medicine practices.
- Provides education and awareness programs for patients, families, physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals regarding hereditary cancer syndromes and genetic testing
- Supports organizational initiatives related to precision medicine, cancer prevention, and population health programs.
- Participates in research activities, data collection, publications, and professional development initiatives related to genetics and oncology services.
- Maintains continuing education requirements and professional competencies in genetics and hereditary cancer counseling.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:
- Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in Genetic Counseling, Medical Genetics, Genomics, or related healthcare field.
- Certification or eligibility for certification by a recognized genetic counseling board preferred.
- Eligibility for professional licensure in accordance with UAE regulatory requirements.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Hereditary cancer syndromes and cancer genetics
- Breast and ovarian cancer risk assessment models
- Molecular diagnostics and genetic testing methodologies
- Clinical ethics and informed consent principles
- JCI standards and healthcare regulatory requirements
- Excellent counseling, communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex genetic concepts effectively and compassionately.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple patients and priorities in a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in genetic counseling, cancer genetics, hereditary cancer programs, or related specialty services.
- Experience in breast care, oncology, women's health, or precision medicine programs preferred.
- Experience in multidisciplinary clinical environments and tertiary healthcare organizations highly preferred.
- Experience with Electronic Medical Records and healthcare documentation systems preferred.
- Experience in patient education, clinical pathway development, and quality improvement initiatives preferred.
