From genetic counseling to “genomic counseling”

Genetic counseling is “the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease.” Traditionally, this process includes collecting and interpreting the family and medical history, risk assessment, a comprehensive educational process for potential genetic testing, informed consent, and psychosocial assessment and support (National Society of Genetic Counselors’ Definition Task Force et al. 2006). While genetic counseling falls within the scope of many health care professionals, clinical geneticists (physicians) and masters level genetic counselors have been working in the United States for more than 40 years, providing genetic counseling primarily for single-gene conditions. Debate about what “genomic counseling” will include and who will practice it has been fueled by the transition from single-gene focused genetic counseling and testing to a full genomic medicine approach. The routine incorporation of genomic medicine will likely induce differences in the scope, approach and process of genetic counseling (Table 1). In this commentary, I will discuss the several areas where practice will likely change as we move toward “genomic” counseling, with a focus on the unique skills and roles that genetic counselors and clinical geneticists provide.