Courses

Explore the fundamentals of cardiovascular genetics and the clinical importance of genetic testing in this 22-minute webinar presented by Ambry Genetics. Delve into topics such as cardiomyopathies, inherited arrhythmias, aortopathies, and familial hypercholesterolemia, guided by Board-certified genetic counselor Brittney Murray, MS, CGC. Learn about the utility of genetic testing, including its role in accurate diagnosis, understanding inheritance patterns, and facilitating cascade screening. Examine real-world case examples of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) to understand the implications of genetic testing results. Discover how early identification through genetic testing can lead to improved outcomes and explore prenatal options. Gain insights into when to refer patients to a genetic counselor and understand the value of genetic counseling services provided by Ambry Genetics. This webinar is part of the "Mastering Cardiogenetics" series, designed to equip healthcare providers with essential knowledge in cardiovascular genetics.

Learn when to consider genetic evaluation for hereditary breast cancer in this medical webinar presented by Stephen White, MS, LCGC from Mary Greeley Medical Center Cancer Resource Center. Explore the key indicators and risk factors that warrant genetic counseling and testing for hereditary breast cancer syndromes. Discover the clinical criteria used to identify patients who may benefit from genetic evaluation, understand family history patterns that suggest hereditary cancer risk, and examine the role of genetic counselors in the assessment process. Gain insights into current guidelines for hereditary breast cancer evaluation, learn about the timing of genetic testing recommendations, and understand how genetic information can inform medical management and family planning decisions.

Learn about genetic testing options and considerations for breast cancer patients and their families through this 20-minute conference presentation from the 2025 Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Patient Forum. Explore the role of genetic counseling in breast cancer care as genetic counselor Audrey Morrissette from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discusses when genetic testing may be appropriate, what types of tests are available, and how results can inform treatment decisions and family planning. Understand the implications of genetic testing for both patients diagnosed with breast cancer and their family members, including the potential benefits and limitations of testing. Gain insights into how genetic information can guide personalized treatment approaches and preventive strategies for those at increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Explore the complex relationship between genetics and dementia in this informative 1-hour 12-minute presentation from June 10, 2024. Learn about the rarity of genetic causes for dementia, despite its common occurrence. Discover the evolving role of genetic testing in understanding dementia risk factors. Gain valuable insights from Diane Lucente, MS, CGC, as she delves into the intricacies of genetic testing and its progression over time. Part of the Genetics Series, this collaborative program between the Maxwell & Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center and the Center for Genomic Medicine at Mass General offers essential knowledge for those concerned about familial dementia risk.

Explore the complexities of communicating medically actionable secondary genomic findings in this 55-minute webinar presented by Ambry Genetics. Gain insights into the current literature on how these findings are shared with recipients in clinical and research settings. Compare reported outcomes against desired results, including appropriate screening uptake, family communication, and cascade testing. Identify gaps in existing research and discover opportunities for genetic counselors to lead innovative studies that enhance the potential of secondary findings in precision medicine. Learn from Julie Sapp, ScM, CGC, a genetic counselor at the National Human Genome Research Institute, as she shares her expertise in therapeutics for ultra-rare disorders, research ethics, and informed consent. Moderated by Shreya Malhotra, MS, an oncology genomic science liaison at Ambry Genetics, this webinar offers valuable knowledge for healthcare professionals interested in advancing the field of genomic medicine and improving patient outcomes.

Explore the world of Clinical Diagnostic Exome Sequencing in this informative 41-minute webinar presented by Ambry Genetics. Gain valuable insights into addressing clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of this advanced genetic testing method. Join licensed genetic counselor Nancy Kramer, Dr. Erick Lin from Ambry Genetics, and Julie Cohen, a clinical genetic counselor from the Kennedy Krieger Institute, as they delve into the crucial role of exome sequencing tests in the diagnostic process. Learn from expert presenters Dr. Erick Lin, MD, PhD, and Julie Cohen, MS, CGC, as they share their knowledge and experience in this cutting-edge field of genetic testing.

Explore the intricacies of prostate cancer genetic risk assessment in this 55-minute webinar presented by Ambry Genetics. Delve into the world of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), understanding their role in explaining complex disease heritability. Learn about polygenic risk scores (PRS) and genetic risk scores (GRS), their calculation methods, and the importance of calibration. Discover how these tools can be used to personalize patient disease risk, with a focus on prostate cancer as a prime example. Gain insights from Dr. Brian Helfand, a board-certified urologist and Director of the Prostate Cancer Program at NorthShore University HealthSystem, as he discusses the integration of PRS with family history and rare pathogenic mutation information for comprehensive risk assessment. Explore topics such as broad-sense and narrow-sense validity, current clinical practices, and the benefits of genetic assessment in predicting risk, prognosis, and therapeutic responses for prostate cancer. Examine case examples and management strategies, providing a thorough understanding of how genetic risk assessment can be applied in clinical settings to improve patient care and outcomes.

Explore the world of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) in this comprehensive webinar. Delve into clinical signs and symptoms, diagnostic criteria, genetics, and genetic testing for this inherited condition characterized by high cholesterol levels. Learn about treatment options, available resources, and relevant events. Gain insights into the study populations, countries affected, and the differences between homozygous and heterozygous FH. Understand the cholesterol distribution, AHA scientific statements, and the pathophysiology of FH. Discover the genes associated with FH, LDL mutations, and genetic testing guidelines. Examine the clinical and mutation overlap, public health implications, and the importance of cascade testing. Review screening recommendations for children and adults, cost-effective tools, and treatment options, including LDL cholesterol burden management and non-invasive imaging. Explore consultation with lipid specialists, medications like Kynamro and PCSK9 inhibitors, and additional resources to enhance your understanding of this genetic disorder.

Explore the intricacies of clinical diagnosis and genetic testing for Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) in this informative 51-minute webinar. Delivered by Katie Wusik, a licensed genetic counselor at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, the presentation delves into recent research on HHT genetics and its impact on patients and their families. Gain valuable insights into this rare genetic disorder, its manifestations, and the role of genetic testing in diagnosis and management. Understand the importance of early detection and the potential implications for family members. This webinar, presented by Ambry Genetics, offers healthcare professionals and individuals interested in rare genetic disorders an opportunity to enhance their knowledge about HHT and the advancements in genetic testing for this condition.

Explore genetic testing result interpretation in this 47-minute webinar designed for non-genetics healthcare providers. Gain insights into deciphering complex genetic test outcomes within the context of patients' personal and family histories. Learn about valuable resources to assist in understanding and explaining results to patients. Led by experts Ginger Haynes, MS, CGC, MBA, and Tameron Harvell, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, the session offers practical guidance for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their ability to navigate genetic testing results and provide informed patient care.

Explore a comprehensive overview of cardiovascular genetics in this 54-minute webinar designed for genetic counselors and genetics professionals. Delve into the anatomy and functions of the heart before focusing on four major categories of cardiovascular genetics: inherited arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, familial aneurysms, and familial hypercholesterolemia. Gain insights into disease characteristics, genetic testing procedures, and family history red flags for each category. Discover unique aspects of cardiovascular genetic counseling sessions, including important resources for counseling and testing. Learn about the multidisciplinary team approach in cardiovascular genetic medicine, special considerations in counseling and testing, and the clinical utility of genetic evaluations. Access guidelines, additional resources, and information on disorders with available genetic testing to enhance your understanding of this dynamic field.

Explore the utility of genetic testing in adult neurology patients through this informative webinar. Delve into findings from a recent research study analyzing characteristics and detection rates of adult patients with neurological phenotypes undergoing genetic testing at a commercial laboratory. Learn how clinical genetic testing, long used in pediatric populations, can inform medical management decisions for adult neurological conditions. Gain insights from Catherine Schultz, MS, CGC, a certified genetic counselor and Genomic Science Liaison at Ambry Genetics, as she presents the study's results and implications. Moderated by Meghan Towne, MS, CGC, LGC, Sr. Clinical Research Specialist at Ambry Genetics, this 34-minute presentation offers valuable knowledge for healthcare providers and researchers interested in advancing genomic medicine in adult neurology.

Explore the rapid transition to telehealth for genetic clinics in response to COVID-19 restrictions. Learn about virtual care options, insurance coverage changes, and practical resources for implementing telehealth services in genetics counseling. Gain insights from expert presenters on assessing readiness, utilizing genetic counselor extenders, and improving access to cancer genetic services. Discover best practices for delivering telehealth, including HIPAA guidelines, billing codes, documentation, and patient considerations. Equip yourself with the knowledge to effectively provide virtual genetic counseling services, even if you have no prior telehealth experience.

Join a comprehensive medical lecture featuring experts Dr. Karen E Brown, Dr. Veda Giri, and genetic counselor Claire Healy as they explore the critical intersection of genetic testing and early-onset cancer in primary care settings. Learn about the latest developments in cancer genetics, understand the importance of early detection through genetic testing, and discover how primary care physicians can better identify and manage patients at risk for hereditary cancers. Gain valuable insights into when to refer patients for genetic counseling, interpret genetic test results, and implement appropriate screening protocols for individuals with genetic predispositions to cancer.

Explore innovative approaches to improve the identification of patients with hereditary cancer in this 46-minute session from Ambry Genetics. Learn how technical advancements, particularly RNA genetic testing, enhance the diagnostic yield of hereditary cancer panel testing through current data and specific case examples. Discover the benefits of an end-to-end solution utilizing chatbot technologies to distribute risk assessment questionnaires, identify eligible patients for testing or those at increased cancer risk, and provide access to genetics resources, including genetic counseling. Understand the pivotal role genetic counselors play in implementing this approach within health systems. Delve into topics such as the limitations of DNA-based genetic testing, the importance of expansive data sources for variant interpretation, and the advantages of paired DNA and RNA genetic testing. Examine real-world case studies, including an RNA-Seq identified inclusion of a cryptic exon in APC. Gain insights into comprehensive assessment, risk, and education solutions that leverage AI technologies while utilizing genetic counselors' skills. Explore key considerations for patient identification, virtual assistance, clinical documentation, and pre-test education. Leave with valuable takeaways to enhance hereditary cancer patient identification and management in clinical practice.

Explore the world of genetic testing for hereditary neurological disorders in this informative webinar presented by Ambry Genetics. Gain insights into various disorders affecting both pediatric and adult populations, including movement and gait disorders, neuromuscular disorders, epilepsy, and memory disorders. Learn about different types of genetic tests available and how clinicians determine the most appropriate testing options. Delve into topics such as multi-gene panel testing, genetic diversity in neurological disorders, cost-benefit analysis, and testing algorithms. Understand the importance of genetic family history, pedigree interpretation, and ethical considerations in genetic testing. Discover the role of neurogenetic genetic counselors and explore emerging technologies like CRISPR. Address challenges in genetic testing, insurance coverage, and the impact of direct-to-consumer testing. Join Amanda Bergner, MS, CGC, and Susan Toomey as they provide a comprehensive overview of genetic testing's role in clarifying diagnoses and informing treatment and management options for hereditary neurological disorders.

Explore the future of epilepsy genetic testing in this informative webinar presented by Amanda Berger and Bridgette Tippin Davis. Gain insights into the genetics of epilepsy, including specific syndromes like Dravet syndrome and infantile spasms. Learn about tiered testing approaches, EpiFirst panels, and neonatal seizure testing. Discover the early evidence for precision medicine in epilepsy treatment and understand the testing algorithms for various epilepsy types. Delve into the advancements in genetic testing technologies, comparing Sanger sequencing to Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Understand the intricacies of NGS visualization, tiled primers, and targeted microarrays. Explore the importance of family studies and stepwise testing approaches in epilepsy diagnosis and management. This comprehensive presentation covers a wide range of topics, from basic epilepsy concepts to cutting-edge genetic testing methodologies, providing valuable knowledge for healthcare professionals and researchers in the field of epilepsy genetics.

Explore the diverse field of genetic counseling through this comprehensive conference recording from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's 2023 Career Day. Discover how genetic counselors combine scientific expertise with counseling skills to help people understand and cope with genetic conditions' medical, psychological, and familial implications. Learn about various specialties from experienced professionals, including prenatal counseling with Philip Connors, pediatric counseling with Aishwarya Siddharth, cancer genetics with Farid Barquet Ramos, and industry roles with Shraddha Gaonkar. Begin with an introduction to the field by Kaleigh Patton, covering fundamental concepts and career opportunities. Gain valuable insights into this growing healthcare profession that helps individuals and families navigate genetic contributions to disease, with detailed presentations from practitioners in different specialty areas. Perfect for prospective genetic counselors and those interested in learning about this impactful healthcare career path.

Explore the world of hereditary sarcoma and genetic counseling in this informative webinar presented by Genetic Counselor Irene Rainville from Ambry Genetics. Gain a comprehensive understanding of major sarcoma subtypes, key syndromes associated with hereditary sarcoma risk, and approaches to genetic diagnosis and management practices. Delve into topics such as Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, Retinoblastoma, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), and rare inherited sarcoma predispositions. Learn about testing criteria, medical management strategies, and surveillance protocols like the Toronto Protocol for Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. Discover counseling and testing issues, family case studies, and valuable resources for further information. Benefit from Dr. Rainville's expertise in cancer genetics and prevention, particularly in counseling adults with sarcoma and pheochromocytoma paraganglioma syndrome.

Explore the fascinating world of neurogenetics in this 1-hour 17-minute podcast episode featuring Dr. Daniel Geschwind, a distinguished expert from UCLA. Delve into the genetic foundations of neuropsychiatric illnesses and emerging genetic-based treatments. Learn about the revolution in healthcare, the genetic basis for autism, neurobiological coherence, and the polygenic risk for mental illness. Examine human cortical expansion, genetic risk scores, and the impact of environmental factors including social media. Discover the role of neurogenetics in traumatic brain injury and potential neurogenetic-based treatments. Engage with thought-provoking discussions on neurogenetic determinism and gain valuable insights into the future of precision health and personalized medicine.