Addressing diversity in the genetic counseling profession.

It is no secret that genetic counselors are predominately Caucasian females. Although aware of this fact, I had not extensively considered the need for diversity in the genetic counseling discipline until I, a Caucasian female genetic counseling student, was the minority. I became interested in issues related to diversity in genetic counseling while participating in a medical mission and research project in January, 2008 in rural Guatemala. I travelled there as part of a research team representing the University of Pittsburgh OralFacial Cleft study, led by Dr. Mary Marazita. While attempting to collect family histories, DNA samples and phenotypic data, my colleagues and I struggled with many barriers including language, social and educational differences. I was humbled by the Guatemalan culture that seemed so distant from my middle-class Canadian upbringing. It was not difficult to identify daily struggles of Guatemala’s people — the relatively high prevalence of birth defects including cleft lip and palate, the quest for an understanding as to why this might be, the beg for efficient birth control methods and the necessity for basic medical care. I considered how valuable it could be to have more health care providers, including a genetic counselor, in that setting; to be able to not only speak the same language as this wonderful population, but also to really understand where they are coming from, to identify with the values and beliefs of the culture; and so my interest in diversity began. International travel is not required to experience cultural diversity; underrepresented populations can be found on all borders of the United States. In order to connect with underrepresented populations, the genetic counseling community should begin with outreach to inform them of who we are, what we do and where we stand in terms of our professional values. An example of a successful outreach project is the Center for Minority Health (CMH) at the University of Pittsburgh. Members of this outreach team (including genetic counseling students) venture across Pittsburgh to an African American community to collect family histories, give individualized risk estimates for common diseases and promote activity and community involvement amongst its population. Although the CMH does not prioritize promoting the genetic counseling profession, it is clear that the recipients of their services are aware of who genetic counselors are and what their role in the health care team can be. We should consider using projects like the CMH as a model for outreach into underrepresented populations, expanding their exposure to our line of work. We can strive to assist minority groups in overcoming health disparities; providing medical services as well as making the genetic counseling profession known and recognized, with hopes that we gain their trust and inspire interest in our growing field. In addition to community centers and medical missions, outreach can take place in colleges, high schools and local libraries, specifically with the emphasis of providing early awareness to minority populations. Practicing genetic counselors may take part in career days and health fairs, promoting interest in the field, discussing non-traditional roles and distributing information about prospective graduate programs. Informative presentations J Genet Counsel (2009) 18:112–113 DOI 10.1007/s10897-009-9212-5