Genetic Counseling
Southampton Hospital is proud to announce the recruitment of the first Genetic Counselor to the East End of Long Island. Emily Smith, MS has joined Southampton Hospital to develop cancer counseling through genetic testing for ovarian and breast cancer (BRCA 1 & BRCA 2).
In the process of genetic counseling, family history and medical records are evaluated. Counseling and psychological support are provided to enable the patient to reach a decision to learn more.
Genetic counseling gives people an opportunity to sit down with a trained health professional to discuss their risk for a genetic disease and to help people learn more about the causes of genetic conditions and how they may be affected.
The Basics: What is genetic counseling?
- Genetic counseling offers education and understanding of how genes can play a role in disease
- This is done through:
- examining family history
- explaining genetics
- providing recommendations for follow up medical care
- discussing the decision making process
- Genetic counselors are specially trained healthcare professionals with skills in medical genetics and counseling
What does a genetic counselor actually do?
- Within a genetic counseling appointment, several things can be done
- taking a very detailed family,
- with the family history it can help to determine whether your family has an increased chance of developing a specific disease
- explaining the basics of genetics
- deciding whether or not to pursue genetic testing
- explaining test results
- providing the personalized recommendations for follow up care
- Genetic counselors can also be a resource for you when you have questions
- If your family history changes, what could that mean for you?
- If there is a new test available, does that help you?
What does genetic counseling not do?
- Tell you what to do when it comes to genetic testing or not
- See you on a regular basis
- after you choose to pursue testing or not and you get the results, if applicable, there is no need to come back to the genetic counselor’s office
- all recommendations made by a genetic counselor ultimately are carried out by your doctor
- the exception to this is if your family or personal medical history changes or if there is a new test available
- in this case, another appointment may be needed
What is the process for genetic counseling?
- You must get a doctor’s referral
- Following your appointment, you will receive a letter detailing the discussion including medical recommendations and test results (if applicable)
If you are interested in genetic counseling contact your doctor. If you have questions about genetic counseling, please call Emily Smith, MS at 631-377-3477 or email esmith@southamptonhospital.org
