Please note that all times are listed in Central Standard Time (CST) and that the schedule is subject to change.
11:00 A.M. - 6:30 P.M.
Registration Open
12:00 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.
Pre-Conference Symposia*
Reproductive Carrier Screening Today: Evolving Guidelines, Novel Treatments, and Disparities in Care
Participants: Melanie Hardy, MS, MS, CGC; Blair Stevens, MS, CGC; Asha Talati MD, MSCR; Barbara Harrison, MS, CGC; Karen Raraigh, MGC, CGC; Melissa Gibbons, MS, CGC; Julia Wynn, MS, MS, CGC; Billie R. Lianoglou MS, LCGC; Hunter Howard
Session Summary: Expanded reproductive carrier screening (ECS) has the goal of improving health equity and transforming genetic diseases. However, the utility of ECS is dependent on definitive risk assessment through partner screening, clear variant calling, genotype:phenotype characteristics, timing of test results, access to disease specific specialists and ability to navigate complex treatment options. These factors are directly impacted by race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality identity, socioeconomic status and zip code. In this session we will explore the potential impacts of expanded carrier screening in the current healthcare era. We will provide genetic counselors with the knowledge and resources to advocate for patients and serve as experts for non-genetic providers.
Implement This! Learn How to Use Implementation Science to Improve Your Clinic and Advance Your Research Through Facilitated Project-Based Learning
Participants: Miranda Halquist, MSc, CGC; Cynthia James, PhD, ScM, CGC; Deborah Cragun, LCGC, PhD; Erica Bednar, MS, MPH, CGC; Catharine Wang, PhD; Wendy Kohlmann, MS, LCGC; Barry Tong, MS, MPH, LCGC; Colleen Caleshu, ScM, CGC; Alanna Kulchak Rahm, MS, PhD, CGC; Adam Buchanan, MS, MPH, CGC; Caitlin Allen, PhD, MPH; Megan Roberts, PhD; Yue Guan, PhD, MS, CGC; Rosie O’Shea, PhD, MS, CGC; Zachary Salvati, MS, CGC; Anna DeSalvo; Vivian Pan, MS, CGC
Session Summary: This workshop-style pre-con will develop skills needed to use implementation science (IS) in either clinical or research projects in which GCs are trying to implement change in practice. IS refers to a collection of tools and methods for promoting the adoption of evidence-based practice in healthcare settings. Our aim is for attendees to get practical experience applying IS to their own projects (or provided example projects) through a series of hands-on facilitated activities. Attendees will leave with new skills, a sense of self-efficacy around using IS in their own work, a head start on applying IS to their own change goals through the facilitated activities, and professional contacts with IS expertise for support in the future.
You Can Do It, Too! Genetics Content Creation and Science Communication via TikTok, Instagram, Podcasting, YouTube, LinkedIn and More
Participants: Dena Goldberg, MS, CGC; Kira Dineen, MS, LCGC, CG(ASCP)CM; Katie Lee, MS, CGC; Izzy Kornblau, ms; Matt Tschirgi, MS, CGC
Session Summary: This pre-conference symposia workshop aims to educate genetic counselors and genetic counseling students about creating public-facing media, developing a professional online persona and creating opportunities to increase our collective influence as a profession. We will feature genetic counselors and students who have had success in their respective media and offer opportunities to workshop ideas and create a network of genetics professionals who are creating content for the public. Learn more here.
When It’s Not A No-Brainer: Wrapping Our Heads Around the Ever-Changing Ethical Dilemmas in Neurodegenerative Conditions
Participants: Jennifer Pagano, MMSc, CGC; Anya Prince, JD, MPP; Jill S Goldman, MS, MPhil, CGC; Wendy R. Uhlmann, MS CGC; Krista Qualmann, MS CGC; Cassandra Barrett, PhD, MS CGC; Weiyi Mu, ScM CGC; Jamie Fong, MS CGC ; Benjamin L. Morris, PhD, MS CGC; Abigail Freeman, MS CGC; Laynie Dratch, ScM CGC
Session Summary: This pre-conference symposium session is dedicated to exploring ethical dilemmas through the lens of adult neurogenetics. We will explore the evolution of the types of dilemmas that have emerged in neurogenetics, as well as genetic counselors’ attitudes towards them. Attendees will learn how to apply ethical frameworks to challenging scenarios and will hear presentations from key opinion leaders in the field. By combining didactic lectures from experts, debates, and small group discussions, we feel this session will be engaging and educational.
5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.
First Time Attendee Welcome Event & Orientation sponsored by Myriad
*Requires pre-registration and an additional fee