What We Owe to Each Other: The Next Frontiers of DEIJ with Lila Aiyar, MSC, CGC, CCGC.

• Numerous diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) initiatives in place in the genetic counseling profession focus primarily on increasing workforce diversity and representation. At the same time, barriers and issues around inclusion and justice for students and our colleagues persist and require our attention. Genetic counselors have both an individual and collective responsibility to improve our culture and thus the services we provide to patients and society. We will review emerging topics in DEIJ in genetic counseling, including the use of race/ethnicity/ancestry information, inclusion and retention of LGBTQ+ and disabled voices, experiences of students in training programs, and more, with a focus on the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure that our patients from all backgrounds and communities have equitable and just access to new genomic technologies.

  Level of Instruction: Intermediate

  

  Only the live session qualifies for CEUs but when possible, we host the recordings on our website and NSGC recommends participants to use their personal email instead of work email addresses to ensure they receive their CEU certificates.

  

  Ambry Genetics is approved as a provider for continuing education program by NSGC and ASCLS P.A.C.E ® Program.

Caitlin Reid, CGC | Moderator

Genomic Science Liaison, Ambry Genetics

Caitlin joined Ambry Genetics in 2021 as the Oncology Genomic Science Liaison for the Midwest territory. In her current role, she serves as a clinical liaison for the field team to educate health care providers and key opinion leaders on genetic testing and genomic medicine. Caitlin previously worked as an Oncology Genetic Counselor at the University of Iowa in the Holden Comprehensive Cancer center. Caitlin received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a concentration in cell and developmental biology from the University of Iowa. She earned her Master of Science degree in Genetic Counseling from the University of Michigan in 2018 and is certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

Lila Aiyar, MSC, CGC, CCGC | Presenter

Assistant Program Director, Genetic Counseling Professional Science Master’s Degree Program

Lila Aiyar is a board-certified (ABGC and CBGC) genetic counselor and Assistant Program Director for the University of Connecticut's Professional Science Master's Genetic Counseling Program, where she also acts as Fieldwork Coordinator and Instructor. Prior to this role, she worked as a public health genetic counselor for the Western States Regional Genetics Network and Hawai'i Department of Health, focusing on increasing access to genetics services and education for underserved populations. Lila is passionate about J.E.D.I. initiatives, and in her past role as part of the leadership team for the Minority Genetic Professionals Network is deeply committed to reducing health disparities by supporting underrepresented members of our profession. She received her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences (Honours BSc) from McMaster University, and her Master’s Degree in Genetic Counselling (MSc) from the University of Toronto.