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Ahimaz P, Ross M, Foltz J, Sebastin M, Naik K, Kramer T, Bogyo K, Primiano M. Future Frontiers: Exploration of practices, challenges, and educational needs of genetic counselors in emerging subspecialties. J Genet Couns 2023; 32:1238-1248. [PMID: 37975258 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The augmented use of genomic testing across different medical subspecialties has led to increased involvement of genetic counselors (GCs) in specialized areas of medicine. However, the lack of educational infrastructure required for changing scholastic needs of GCs entering new subspecialties lends to the burden of self-directed learning and inconsistent knowledge. We conducted a cross-sectional study surveying GCs with experience in the emerging genetic subspecialties of Immunology, Dermatology, Endocrinology, and Pulmonology (abbreviated as "IDEP") on current practices, clinical challenges, and educational strategies undertaken while working in these settings. We compared knowledge and confidence in skills related to IDEP patient care between GCs who do (experienced cohort) and do not (control cohort) practice in these settings to assess their comfort with working in subspecialties. Participants were recruited from the National Society of Genetic Counselors membership. A total of 304 GCs (178 experienced and 126 control) completed the survey. Most GCs in the experienced cohort saw IDEP patients by themselves (n = 104; 58.4%) or with a geneticist (n = 97; 54.4%) and almost all (n = 176; 99%) cited GeneReviews as a primary informational source for IDEP genetics but half (n = 91; 51.1%) agreed that a dedicated online course would be the best way to learn about a specific subspecialty. The experienced cohort scored higher on confidence in all skills (p < 0.001, z = 7.32) and knowledge (p < 0.001, z = 5.68) related to IDEP genetics than the control cohort. Previous exposure to IDEP through graduate school coursework and rotations positively correlated with better self-confidence in skills (p = 0.02, z = -2.19; p < 0.001, z = -5.25) and genetic knowledge (p = 0.03, z = -2.09; p < 0.001, z = -2.81) related to IDEP patient care. Years of experience working as a GC did not correlate with better confidence in skills (p = 0.53) or better IDEP genetic knowledge (p = 0.15). Our findings show that provision of opportunities for increased exposure to subspecialties could help maximize GCs' ability to work in emerging niche fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Ahimaz
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Meredith Ross
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jennah Foltz
- Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Monisha Sebastin
- Division of Genetics Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ketki Naik
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tamar Kramer
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kelsie Bogyo
- Interdepartmental Genetic Counseling Program, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michelle Primiano
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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Vece TJ, Popler J, Gower WA. Pediatric pulmonology 2020 year in review: Rare and diffuse lung disease. Pediatr Pulmonol 2022; 57:807-813. [PMID: 34964566 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric Pulmonology publishes original research, review articles, and case reports on topics related to a wide range of children's respiratory disorders. Here we review some of the most notable manuscripts published in 2020 in this journal on (1) children's interstitial lung disease (chILD), (2) congenital airway and lung anomalies, and (3) primary ciliary dyskinesia and other non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The articles reviewed are discussed in context with published works from other journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Vece
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Program for Rare and Interstitial Lung Disease, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jonathan Popler
- Children's Physician Group - Pulmonology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - William A Gower
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Program for Rare and Interstitial Lung Disease, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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