EducateNext: Provision and Pitfalls of Genetic Services for Rural Populations

Rural populations face significant barriers to accessing genetic services, including geographic distance to urban genetics clinics, limited availability of geneticists and genetic counselors, and socioeconomic disparities. This talk will explore approaches to delivering genetic services in rural settings, highlighting both opportunities and ongoing challenges. Attendees will examine the roles and difficulties of outreach clinics, telehealth, and primary care in shaping equitable access to genetic care for patients.

Three learning objectives:

1. Describe the impact of geographic distance, workforce shortages, and the rural hospital closure crisis on the availability of genetic care in rural communities.
2. Compare the advantages and limitations of outreach clinics, telehealth, and primary care–based models for delivering genetic services in rural settings.
3. Identify practical strategies for implementing equitable access to genetic services for individuals living in rural areas.