Second Canadian program in genetic counseling introduced at the University of Toronto

1998. As part of the Department of Molecular Genetics, the University of Toronto established the genetic counselling program. It is the second program of its kind to be established in Canada (Education and Learning, n.d.), after the University of British Columbia.

The role of the genetic counsellor is to advise patients on the consequences of a genetic disorder, the probability of transmitting the inherited disorder to their child, and to help with family planning (Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors, 2014). The students in this program are provided with knowledge and skills that will help them diagnose and treat genetic diseases. The students participate in special clinics learning about the most common genetic disorders including autism, Huntington’s and Hemophilia (The Department of Molecular Genetics, 2014). They also provide genetic counselling to patients and their families, in areas such as Prenatal genetics, Neuro-genetics, and Cancer care (The Department of Molecular Genetics, 2014). The University of Toronto's current program offers students the chance to obtain a MSc in Genetic Counselling, accredited by The American Board of Genetic Counseling. The program offers a practical component in partnership with Toronto's SickKids Hospital (Education and Learning, n.d.).

-Erna Kurbegovic and Colette Leung

Second Canadian program in genetic counseling introduced at the University of Toronto

1998. As part of the Department of Molecular Genetics, the University of Toronto established the genetic counselling program. It is the second program of its kind to be established in Canada (Education and Learning, n.d.), after the University of British Columbia.

The role of the genetic counsellor is to advise patients on the consequences of a genetic disorder, the probability of transmitting the inherited disorder to their child, and to help with family planning (Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors, 2014). The students in this program are provided with knowledge and skills that will help them diagnose and treat genetic diseases. The students participate in special clinics learning about the most common genetic disorders including autism, Huntington’s and Hemophilia (The Department of Molecular Genetics, 2014). They also provide genetic counselling to patients and their families, in areas such as Prenatal genetics, Neuro-genetics, and Cancer care (The Department of Molecular Genetics, 2014). The University of Toronto's current program offers students the chance to obtain a MSc in Genetic Counselling, accredited by The American Board of Genetic Counseling. The program offers a practical component in partnership with Toronto's SickKids Hospital (Education and Learning, n.d.).

-Erna Kurbegovic and Colette Leung