Deep and broad knowledge of genetics and genomics: Demonstrate and apply advanced knowledge in human, medical and public health genetics; demonstrate the ability to apply complex principles such as etiology, genetic heterogeneity, natural history, differential diagnoses, genetic testing, variant interpretation, recurrence risk, management, prevention and population screening;
Expertise in genetic testing: Investigate and identify the availability, analytic validity, clinical validity/utility of diagnostic and predictive genetic testing; facilitate genetic testing for patients by identifying the most appropriate test and laboratory, presenting the options to the patient in a non-directive manner, and overseeing the logistics of a ny testing the patient
Risk assessment skills: Students must be able to calculate probability of disease for patient and family members using relevant knowledge of the condition, information gained through a pedigree, genetic testing results, and any other pertinent factors such as environmental exposures or risk models
Psychosocial counseling skills: Demonstrate effective communication behaviors and skills; establish a working relationship and personalized genetic counseling agenda with each patient at the outset of a session; engage in relationship-building techniques; apply active listening and interviewing skills to identify, assess, and empathically respond to stated and emerging patient concerns, emotions, individual and family experiences, beliefs and behaviors, values, religion, coping mechanisms and adaptive capabilities;
Cultural competence: Evaluate impact of genetic test results on families in the Middle East; understand the unique issues surrounding genetics and the Arab population; facilitate patient decision-making that reflects the client’s values but is also within Sharia law; navigate social stigmatization and counsel patients about their concerns; apply genetic counseling skills in a culturally responsive and respectful manner to all patients.
Ethical awareness and practice: Apply ethical principles to guide and inform genetic counselling practice; recognize the professional and legal importance of medical documentation and confidentiality; identify and analyse ethical and moral dilemmas arising in genetic counselling practice, seeking outside consultation when needed; interpret and apply genetic counselling skills in relation to Sharia and local laws .
Research skills: Develop rigorous skills for all aspects of research, beginning with the development of an ethical, sound study proposal to effective implementation of a supervised clinical research project; differentiate considerations specific to genetic versus genomic and clinical versus research testing in terms of the informed consent process, results disclosure, institutional review board (IRB) guidelines, and patient decision-making.