#136 Linda Robinson on the History of Genetic Counseling

DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

Our profession has evolved over the last 50 years from a small dedicated group of genetic counselors to over 5,000 individuals in the United States, with sister organizations in Canada, Europe and Australia. Just as the field of genetics has evolved over the last 40 years, so has the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) and genetic counselors.

In this podcast episode, Linda Robinson joins host Kira Dineen to highlight what hot topics, historical accomplishments, challenges, barriers and opportunities during the last 50 years of genetic counseling.

Linda Robinson is a retired genetic counselor. She worked primarily prenatal and cancer roles at UCLA , University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and the California Department of Health. Linda retired as the Assistant Director of Cancer Genetics at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and is currently a consultant grant writer there. She has a long list of publications, grants and awards. Linda has been a very active member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) on countless committees, currently she is in the Late Career SIG.

On This Episode We Discuss:

Importance of Genetic Counseling History

Roots of Genetic Counseling at Sarah Lawrence in 1969

Need for the Profession

Coining Term “Genetic Counselor” and Runner Up Titles

The First Genetic Counseling Jobs, Speciality and Tests

National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Foundation

Evolution in Last 50 Years: Challenges, Technology Advancements, Licensure etc.

NSGC Online Timeline

Current Number of Genetic Counselors and Programs

Future of Genetic Counseling

Don’t forget to check out NSGC’s interactive timeline here!

Stay tuned for the last DNA Today of the year on December 25th, 2020. New episodes are released on the first and third Friday of the month. In the meantime, you can listen to over 130 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”.

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