Expanding the Reach of Genetic Testing: Why the Role of the Genetic Counselor Remains Critical

Thursday, October 6, 2022

4:00am PDT

1 hour

C.E.U.: 1 Category 1 Contact Hour

P.A.C.E.: 1 Unit

Genetic testing information is increasingly being used to inform oncology care, for those who are newly diagnosed to those in need of targeted therapy for an advanced cancer. Even large programs with multiple genetics providers sometimes struggle to meet the demand for these services. Alternative service delivery models can extend the reach of genetic counseling professionals, while increasing timely access to this critical information. Examples of ways to increase access to genetic services will be presented, along with outcomes from the OPT-In study, using video and chatbot education for patients with advanced breast and ovarian cancer.

Level of Instruction: Basic

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Jill Stopfer

Associate Director of Genetic Counseling, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Jill Stopfer, MS is a licensed genetic counselor and Associate Director of Genetic Counseling at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, working with individuals and families with hereditary risks to cancer, and on a number of research projects looking to optimize the way genetic counseling is offered considering new testing and practice standards. Jill is a graduate of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, with a Masters degree in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling. She was one of the first genetic counselors in the country to focus primarily in oncology and has worked over the years on numerous educational and policy initiatives.

Tameron Harvell

Genomic Science Liaison, Ambry Genetics

Tameron Harvell is an ANCC board-certified family nurse practitioner with more than 15 years in the field of oncology and an Oncology Genetic Specialist at Ambry Genetics. Tameron is very passionate about finding individuals at high risk of developing hereditary cancer, enabling them to take steps to identify cancer at an early stage or reduce […]

Tameron is one of the Oncology Genomic Science Liaisons and has been with Ambry since 2016. She completed her Bachelor of Science from Lipscomb University with a dual major in biology and psychology. After working in the biotech field for several years, Tameron returned to school at Vanderbilt University for her Master of Science in Nursing. She spent the next 15+ years working in the field of oncology where her past work in genotyping led to a strong interest in inherited cancer syndromes. She has completed the City of Hope Intensive Course in Cancer Risk Assessment in order to expand her genetics knowledge enabling her to be a resource for providers who wish to provide genetic education and testing to their patients.