Annual DNA Day Essay Contest – Grades 9-12 – submission open until March 3, 2021

American Society of Human Genetics ESSAY CONTEST FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS –

ASHG is proud to support National DNA Day (April 25) through the Annual DNA Day Essay Contest. DNA Day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 and the discovery of the double helix of DNA in 1953.  This contest is open to students in grades 9-12 worldwide and asks students to examine, question, and reflect on important concepts in genetics. Essays are expected to be well-reasoned arguments that indicate a deep understanding of scientific concepts related to the essay question. They are evaluated by ASHG members through three rounds of scoring.

  • Early January 2021: Submission site opens
  • Wednesday, March 3, 2021: Submission site closes
  • Friday, April 23, 2021: Winners and Honorable Mentions announced
  • Sunday, April 25, 2021: DNA Day

For additional information, click here.

Rare New England Career Fairs in Medical Genetics – March 9, 2021

Rare New England is hosting four online Genetics Career Fairs during 2021, two this spring and two in the fall.  The spring events will be held from 6:30-7:30 pm on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 and Thursday, April 22, 2021.  For additional information email: [email protected]

To register, click here.

The goal of these career fairs is to attract and inspire young professionals – medical students, pediatric and medicine interns and residents, undergraduate/graduate genetics students – to consider a career in genetics, a very promising and expanding area of medicine but one with a serious workforce shortage. This shortage is compromising the promising benefits that can come from all the research and clinical effort underway in this country and around the world.

Attendees of the career fairs will have an opportunity to hear from three different types of geneticists – a clinical (or general) geneticist, a biochemical (or metabolic) geneticist, and a research/laboratory/industry geneticist. Speakers typically describe “a day in the life of a geneticist.” They talk about interesting cases and share their passion for patient care and/or contributing to science and the development of new therapies.

Elliot Health System: Genetic Counselor Maternal & Fetal Medicine

 

Genetic Counselor – Maternal Fetal Medicine 

Elliot Hospital, Manchester, NH 03103

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for counseling patients and families concerning genetic issues, including, but not limited to: maternal serum screening, family history concerns, ultrasound abnormalities, prenatal diagnostic testing procedures, infertility, and pregnancy exposure to drugs, alcohol, and medication. This individual will serve as a resource to patients and medical staff regarding genetic issues. The genetic counselor will work closely with patients during stressful times and provide support and education about sensitive issues.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Counsels patients/families around genetic issues (Amniocentesis, Maternal, Serum Screening Program, Genetic Disorders, etc). This involves patient contact, explanation of procedures, probable outcome, all testing coordination, and follow up.
  • Screens and interviews patients to evaluate medical/family information. Recommends and coordinates additional testing and referrals with referring providers, outside hospital facilities, and genetic testing laboratories.
  • Performs record keeping, including chart preparation and records requests, maintenance of high-risk patient list and patient statistics, documentation of encounter (including chart notes, progress notes, and letters, and other required paperwork for genetic tests or procedures.
  • Develops and maintains effective relationships with patients, staff, and other referring providers.
  • Provides education and consultation to referring providers as needed with concerns about scheduling, test follow-up, or general queries about non-scheduled patients.
  • Actively updates knowledge of developments in the field and genetic community by reading appropriate professional literature, attending educational meetings, and making use of other available resources for continuing education.
  • Serves as resource to patients, obstetrical care providers and other clinicians on genetic counseling issues.
  • Interacts with Elliot Hospital Laboratory and other send-out laboratories.
  • Works collaboratively with the perinatologist to report normal and abnormal results to patients and providers. This includes calling out results to patients who have not received genetic counseling when necessary.
  • Coordinates and serves as primary supervisor for genetic counseling internships.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

  • Ability to set goals and to implement them.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Good communication skills especially in the areas of interpersonal skills, negotiation, sensitivity in counseling areas.
  • Aptitude in basic sciences, especially in the area of genetics, as well as ability in the area of working in stressful situations within specific time frames while maintaining a calm, professional attitude.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/LICENSURE:

  • Education: Master’s Degree MS/MA with specialty in Genetics or Genetic Counseling required.
  • Experience: Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the field of Genetic Counseling or at least one (1) year of directly related experience preferred.
  • Certification/Licensure: American Board of Genetic Counseling Board Certification (or Board Eligible)
  • Software/Hardware: MS Office

Elliot Health System (EHS), a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) entity, is the largest provider of comprehensive healthcare services in Southern New Hampshire. The cornerstone of EHS is Elliot Hospital, a 296- bed acute care facility with a Level II Trauma Center and the only dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department in Manchester. The mainstay of our organization is the Elliot Physician Network, which employs a collaborative and engaged team of primary care physicians and specialists. Our state-of-the-art outpatient practices, located throughout the Southern New Hampshire area, bring the most comprehensive care to patients and families where they work and live. With a fully integrated EMR, our clinicians enjoy the ability to provide continuity of care for our patients at every EHS location.

The Manchester, New Hampshire, area is a thriving metropolitan community, located within an hour’s drive of Boston, the seacoast, lakes, and White Mountains region of New Hampshire. Enjoy Four Season living, excellent school systems, a myriad of social and cultural events and venues and NO STATE INCOME or SALES TAX!

For more information and to apply, please visit:

https://pm.healthcaresource.com/cs/elliot/#/job/27800

 For inquiries, please contact: Erin Kelley, Recruiter, Human Resources

Email: [email protected]

 All inquiries will remain confidential.

 We are an equal opportunity employer embracing the strength that diversity brings to the workplace. We provide a welcoming and supportive environment for employees of all ethnic backgrounds, cultures, ages, lifestyles and physical abilities.

 

NORD Webinar: The Rare Sibling Experience – March 25, 2021

The impact of a rare disease extends beyond the patient and is interwoven into their entire family dynamic. Siblings of rare disease patients often face personal challenges inside and outside of the home. Guidance and nurturing can empower unaffected siblings to be supportive members of the family while maintaining their own unique identities.

Join NORD, the National Organization for Rare Disorders, to hear from child life specialist Kate McGowen and psychologist Dr. David Rintell, who will discuss commonly observed barriers and best practices for fostering healthy sibling relationships. Rare sibling Hannah Raskin-Gross will share her experience growing up with a brother who has a rare disease and how it has shaped her commitment to advocacy.

This free webinar, moderated by special guest and child life specialist Eden Van Alstine, is intended for patients, advocates, caregivers, students and the general public.

Date / Time:  March 25, 2021 / 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

To register click here.

NERGN Virtual Annual Meeting – April 8-9, 2021

NERGN is holding their annual meeting virtually on the afternoon of Thursday, April 8, 2021, and the morning of Friday, April 9, 2021. The first day will focus on families and family organizations. The second day will be geared toward all stakeholders. All are welcome, and there’s no cost.

To register click here.

Draft Agenda:

 

Medical Genetics Awareness Week – April 13-16, 2021

The goal of Medical Genetics Awareness Week, which coincides annually with the ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting, is to raise awareness of the invaluable contributions that medical genetics healthcare professionals make in the diagnosis, management and prevention of genetic diseases, and the difference these professionals make in the lives of patients and families. The theme of Medical Genetics Awareness Week is “Celebrating the Contributions of the Entire Medical Genetics Team to Patient Care and Public Health.” During the event, ACMG honors the skills and commitment of all those on the healthcare team who translate genetic and genomic discoveries into better patient care, including medical geneticists, laboratory geneticists, genetic counselors, nurses and physician assistants.  Learn more about Medical Genetics Awareness Week, and about how to Be an Ambassador for Medical Genetics and Genomics.

Rare New England Career Fairs in Medical Genetics – April 22, 2021

Rare New England is hosting four online Genetics Career Fairs during 2021, two this spring and two in the fall.  The spring events will be held from 6:30-7:30 pm on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 and Thursday, April 22, 2021.  For additional information email: [email protected]

To register, click here.

The goal of these career fairs is to attract and inspire young professionals – medical students, pediatric and medicine interns and residents, undergraduate/graduate genetics students – to consider a career in genetics, a very promising and expanding area of medicine but one with a serious workforce shortage. This shortage is compromising the promising benefits that can come from all the research and clinical effort underway in this country and around the world.

Attendees of the career fairs will have an opportunity to hear from three different types of geneticists – a clinical (or general) geneticist, a biochemical (or metabolic) geneticist, and a research/laboratory/industry geneticist. Speakers typically describe “a day in the life of a geneticist.” They talk about interesting cases and share their passion for patient care and/or contributing to science and the development of new therapies.