Karen Lewis Discusses the Counselor's Role in the Genetic Counseling Process

Karen Lewis, MS, MM, CGC, says counselors act as the “middle man” in the process of genetic counseling.

“Genetic counselors are individuals who are able to help translate the, many times, very difficult-to-understand scientific principles of medicine and treatment to a level of understanding that most patients are able to then make informed decisions regarding their testing and treatment,” she says.

She adds that counselors can assist patients as they contemplate decisions regarding family planning, end-of-life choices, and other important quality-of-life issues.