Public health genomics without borders: Collaboration between public health educators and genetic counselors

Based on the CDC's Genomic Competencies for the Public Health Workforce Report, public health educators should be able to differentiate between genomic education and genetic counseling. Yet, the roles of public health educators and genetic counselors in public health genomics are often confusing, vague, and unclear. Recognizing similarities and differences between these professions is an important first step in developing collaborative relationships. This presentation has three purposes: 1) to identify similarities and differences among public health education, genomic education, and genetic counseling, 2) to delineate the roles of public health educators and genetic counselors in public health genomics, and 3) to discuss future collaboration between these professions. Authors will first discuss the fields of public health education and genetic counseling regarding their education and training, credentialing, primary job duties, and work settings. A comparison of similarities and differences between these health professions will then be presented. Authors will also discuss potential roles, strengths, and limitations of each profession as well as overlapping areas of competencies and responsibilities in public health genomics practice. Recommendations for non-competitive collaboration will be discussed.