Education and Events

• Describe clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP).
• Recognize CHIP in a genetic counseling patient.
• Summarize actions taken by genetic counselors when finding CHIP in their patients.
• Illustrate cases of CHIP in a GC clinic.

• Define gene therapy.
• Analyze gene therapy approaches.
• Discuss the history of gene therapy and current landscape.
• Compare general differences between vectors.

• Summarize NSGC's J.E.D.I. Action Plan and 2024 J.E.D.I. Organizational Assessment Survey. 
• Analyze how to utilize J.E.D.I. resources to create inclusive workplaces and advance health equity for patients.
• Discuss accessible presentation tips and J.E.D.I. educational opportunities from the Education Committee.
• Identify ways for managers to create an inclusive workspace as presented by the Membership Equity & Inclusion Implementation (EII) Subcommittee.
• Review toolkits developed by the Cancer SIG Antiracism Subcommittee and Cancer SIG Gender Inclusion Subcommittee on building more inclusive genetic counseling programs for instructors and students and providing gender-inclusive care for patients.
• Explore the importance of equity in genomic healthcare and the healthcare disparities that impact genomic medicine from the Genomic Technologies SIG.
• Utilize tools and tips developed by the Prenatal SIG to learn more about Reproductive Justice and providing supportive and equitable care to patients.

• Differentiate between supportive, palliative, and hospice care and recognize when consulting these services will be beneficial.
• Develop new strategies for having difficult conversations with patients and their families.
• Examine the collaborative relationship between Genetic Counselors and Supportive Care using case examples.
• Recognize the ethical considerations and challenges involved in providing genetic counseling within supportive care settings, such as addressing sensitive topics, respecting patient autonomy, and ensuring cultural competence.

• Distinguish between the previously-recommended CFTR variants for CF carrier screening (ACMG 23) and the new recommended variants (ACMG 100) in terms of carrier detection rate within the US population.
• Describe the benefits and limitations of the datasets utilized in the recommendation to increase the minimum number of CFTR variants for CF carrier screening.
• Assess inequities in cystic fibrosis newborn screening case detection rates across the US population.
• Relate health disparities in cystic fibrosis newborn screening, diagnosis, and treatment to morbidity and mortality outcomes.

• Describe ASRM's gamete donor eligibility guidelines related to genetic testing and family medical history.
• Apply ASRM's guidelines in gamete donor applicant review.
• Evaluate the necessity of additional guidelines by gamete banks.
• Conceptualize how current practices in gamete donation may perpetuate an ableist and/or eugenic agenda.

• Define several leadership frameworks.
• Identify leadership resources both within NSGC and outside of NSGC.
• Learn how to foster leadership skills in genetic counselors.
• Recognize the importance and developing leadership in minority genetic counselors.

• Discuss various treatment approaches in metabolism
• Describe the mechanisms behind current and emerging metabolic therapeutic technologies
• Detail progress made in the metabolic therapeutic space over the last three decades
• Explore the use of gene therapy as a treatment for metabolic disorders

• Describe the concept of biological essentialism and how it plays a role in perpetuating racism, sexism, and ableism.
• Critically appraise the role of ‘binaries’ in biological essentialism and the impact this has on clinical genetics.
• Identify practical ways in which one can address essentialist misconceptions as genetic counselors.

• Explore research updates about PD genetics
• Translate new information regarding PD genetics into improved care
• Identify specific PD genetics resources
• Describe current global efforts for PD genetics research

• Participants will become familiar with the genetics of Alport syndrome and the relationships between genotype, natural history, and response to treatment.
• Examine the expansion of genetic testing for Alport syndrome beyond patients with the "classical" triad of kidney disease, hearing loss, and ocular changes.
• Explore the components of comprehensive care for patients and families diagnosed with Alport syndrome.
• Evaluate counseling dilemmas, particularly for patients with heterozygous variants in Alport genes.

• Describe the current landscape of newborn hearing screening, The 1-3-6 guidelines, and referral to Genetics services
• Examine service delivery models including genetic counselor-only and multidisciplinary clinic for patients referred for hearing loss
• Assess referral triage considerations pre and post genetic

• Review the current incidence and mortality of second breast cancers
• Discuss germline pathogenic variants associated with second breast cancer risk
• Identify lifestyle factors associated with second breast cancer risk

• Summarize the goals and benefits of mentorship initiatives for prospective genetic counselors
• Examine international genetic counselor mentorship program outcomes
• Identify opportunity, resource, and knowledge gaps that impact international genetic counselor mentorship
• Illustrate experiences and perspectives from mentors
• Identify ways to contribute to mentorship efforts for international genetic counseling students

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• Recognize the significance of unexpected cell-free DNA findings that could impact the pregnant patient.
• Interpret the cell-free DNA results as it relates to the pregnant patient and/or pregnancy.
• Discuss the appropriate diagnostic follow-up testing and medical management.

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• Describe the current job marked in the genetic testing industry.
• Identify at least 3 facets of creating a personal brand to ensure one's work is in line with their core values.
• Examine the multifaceted factors contributing to feelings of self-doubt in professional environments, emphasizing the role of systemic biases, testimonial injustice and inadequate resources.

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• Develop methods to leverage the shared experiences of others in making better career decisions and enhancing skills, knowledge, and competencies to accelerate professional development.
• Identify the significance of guidance, mentorship, collaboration, and relationship-building with more experienced professionals and peers to create a strong professional network that supports long-term career goals.
• Develop collaborative problem-solving strategies for building trust and rapport with negotiation partners to create win-win outcomes
• Analyze common triggers that exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt and how imposter syndrome affects performance, productivity, and well-being
• Discuss techniques for building self-efficacy, resilience, perseverance, and a supportive environment through setting and achieving realistic goals

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• Describe genomic technologies that are currently used clinically, including their limitations
• Compare and Contrast short-read sequencing (SRS) and long read sequencing (LRS)
• Evaluate the clinical utility of LRS
• Illustrate the application of LRS to patient care through case examples

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• Define the structure and function of the TTN gene.
• Identify the cardiac and neuromuscular phenotype associated with titinopathies.
• Distinguish unique management implications for different types of TTN variants.
• Apply current knowledge and screening recommendations for titinopathies through demonstrative case examples. 

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• Define a startup and common milestones or stages of a company's earliest phases of growth. 
• Gain an appreciation of the thought process required before making a career shift from traditional healthcare settings to startup companies.
• Identify the personal and professional factors that motivated genetic counselors to consider joining startup companies. 
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of working in a startup environment, including factors like innovation, job roles, compensation, work-life balance, and job security.
• Equip attendees with a framework for evaluating the feasibility and sustainability of transitioning to a startup career. 

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