Genetic Counseling Helps Find a New Path in Life

With advanced testing technology and the rapid development of precision medicine, the application of genetic testing is becoming more and more accessible. Therefore, genetic counseling before and after testing appears to be more important. Genetic counseling is not simply a consultation, but a "communication process" that helps people understand their risk of getting a disease. Moreover, it provides complete information on the family's goals, ethical and religious standards.

To equip more medical professionals serving rare diseases with relevant knowledge, TFRD and Taiwan Association of Genetic Counseling jointly organized the "Online Course on Genetic Counseling Promotion Education". After the course, an online seminar was held on May 15, in which genetic counselors shared clinical cases. Genetic counselors from National Cheng Kung University Hospital and Lin Kou Chang Gung Hospital were invited to introduce the available resources for rare diseases from the government and the community. Finally, Dr. Lee Nee-Chung from the Department of Medical Genetics at National Taiwan University answered various questions from the participants, including the need for enzyme activity testing or cell labeling in addition to genetic testing for disease diagnosis, how to arrange the most appropriate genetic testing method for the patient, and the key points of cooperation between doctors and genetic counselors.

Translator: David Lee (Becker Muscular Dystrophy)