Abstract
With the expansion of novel chromosome testing, a career as a certified genetic counselor has been gathering a lot of attention. However, few people certified as a genetic counselor after completing postgraduate courses are able to find employment as a genetic counselor, and their salaries are quite low. It is also questionable whether or not such newly graduated genetic counselors, who have limited life experience and knowledge, can fully understand family issues and properly perform counseling sessions. To address these issues, a wide range of education and training may be necessary. In this study, we examined current problems in genetic counseling education in Japan, and proposed effective measures to address these problems. Toward creating a new society, we are currently establishing a national qualification system and cultivating qualified professionals capable of providing patients with accurate information on chromosome and genetic testing. In addition, these professionals could encourage younger generations to have an interest in genetic counseling. I also hope that these professionals will work not only in Japan but all over the world.
Highlights
On, in Europe and the United States, genetics education was conducted in terms of human genetic diseases
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR “GENETIC LITERACY” EDUCATION Recently, the position of genetic nurse has been established in the UK, and training for this position has begun in Japan
In Japan, employment of genetic counselors is a critical problem. It has been difficult for genetic counselors to find desired employment
Summary
In Europe and the United States, genetics education was conducted in terms of human genetic diseases. According to WHO guidelines, genetics education from elementary school is recommended. In Japan, students have mainly studied Mendel’s law [1,2,3]. Many years have passed since the completion of the Human Genome Project. Based on the information obtained from the project, personalized medical practice, specific gene tests, genetic tests, and pharmacogenomics have developed in Japan [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11]. A number of authors have described genetic counseling graduate programs in other countries that educate professionals to assist individuals in making informed decisions regarding their genetic risks [e.g., Ref. A number of authors have described genetic counseling graduate programs in other countries that educate professionals to assist individuals in making informed decisions regarding their genetic risks [e.g., Ref. [12, 13]]
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