I recently had the honor of speaking at the National Society of Genetic Counselors‘ annual conference in San Diego. Specifically, I participated in a plenary session and shared with 1200 genetic counselors the 5 Things Genetic Counselors Need to Know About Previvors. Bonnie J. Rough, author of Carrier, was my co-presenter.

I have to say, the crowd was one of the most receptive I’ve ever addressed. The genetic counselors were passionate about their patients and eager to learn how they might further help those with a high risk for cancer. For instance, one of my points was that previvors want their genetic counselors to follow up with them. Afterwards, many who heard my speech told me they were planning on calling or emailing each of their patients when they returned back home.

I also emphasized how important it is that genetic counselors focus on the psychological and emotional issues that previvors face, not just the medical statistics. Again, many counselors told me that they would try to include more of those kind of discussions in future sessions.

Of course, some counselors explained that those in their field tend to be overworked. Many said it’s difficult to find the time to offer this extra support, this extra hand-holding that previvors say they need. However, they added that they would try. They all wanted to continue the dialogue so that they can continue to find ways to improve their practices.

What also impressed me was the number of students attending the conference. Each one was enthusiastic about his or her future as a genetic counselor In turn, the future of this field seems very promising.

Lastly, I was touched by how many counselors have been recommending my book, Previvors, to their patients. One counselor’s copy was tattered, dog-eared, and flagged with multi-colored labels. As an author, I couldn’t ask for a greater compliment.

Thank you to the National Society of Genetic Counselors for so warmly inviting me to your conference. Thank you to the hundreds of counselors I met for your passion and kindness. I know that with the great strides and advances we’re continually making in genetics, we’re all going to depend on the expertise and guidance of genetic counselors more and more.

And after attending the NSGC conference and meeting so many of these counselors, I’m happy to report that we’re in very good hands!