Affiliating with TAGC transforms the program into a hub for cross-cultural collaboration, establishing global connections with experts and enriching the learning environment for students and faculty.
Qatar University (QU) is the exclusive provider of a Master's degree in Genetic Counseling within Qatar. In a notable step towards global excellence, QU’s Genetic Counseling (GC) program at the College of Health Sciences has officially joined the Transnational Alliance for Genetic Counselling (TAGC).
This achievement reflects a dedication to advancing international genetic counseling practices and fostering collaboration on a global scale. Becoming a TAGC member aligns with QU's commitment to elevate global genetic counseling practices, enhance program capabilities, foster collaboration, and contribute to ethical and standardized counseling practices worldwide.
TAGC, a collaboration among genetic counselor educators from over twenty countries, connects the global genetic counseling community with a focus on advancing international genetic counseling education. This is achieved through international conferences, an engaged listserv, and diverse workgroups overseen by the board of directors. Joining TAGC aligns with the objectives and mission of QU's GC program, resonating with the program's commitment to communication and collaboration within the international genetic counseling community. This synergy underscores the program's dedication to enhancing genetic counseling education globally and staying connected to the worldwide community of genetic counselors.
The QU GC program foresees numerous advantages, including access to cutting-edge research, best practices, and diverse perspectives through TAGC's international conferences and workgroups. Affiliating with TAGC transforms the program into a hub for cross-cultural collaboration, establishing global connections with experts and enriching the learning environment for students and faculty. This active involvement in networking opportunities not only fosters continuous communication with global counterparts but also serves to enhance the program's educational outcomes. Furthermore, TAGC membership elevates the program's credibility within the international community, spotlighting its dedication to global advancement, adherence to international standards, and active participation in collaborative initiatives.
Dr. Mashael Al-Shafai, the Director of Graduate Studies at QU Health, played a fundamental role in initiating communication with the TAGC board, and submitting the documents required for the program. The board meeting took place on 19 December 2023, during which Dr. Mashael presented the Master program in Genetic Counseling at QU. The board reached an agreement on the inclusion of three new members: Qatar, UAE, and Ghana, in addition to the existing 26-member countries.
Dr. Mashael said in a statement, “Joining TAGC allows Qatar University's Genetic Counseling program to collaborate on educational aspects, unique research projects, discuss new trends in the field, as well as the challenges and achievements of genetic counseling and genetic counseling programs worldwide. This collaboration will contribute to the enhancement of genetic counseling practices globally.”