There are currently about 7,000 genetic counselors in more than 28 countries, with about 300 certified genetic counselors in Japan alone (At the time of publication). While the rapid advancement of genomic medicine has expanded this field, the challenges genetic counselors face are also evolving. This article aims to provide an overview of the institutional and social issues surrounding genetic counselors in Japan and discuss implications for the global community.

In particular, it is an urgent issue that certified genetic counselors are not yet a national certification, and further discussion among stakeholders is needed. In addition, this paper proposes that research by genetic counselors to evaluate and improve their practice and examine institutional and social issues is crucial for developing their profession’s activities and delivering high-quality healthcare to many people. To establish the position and role of the relatively new profession of genetic counselor, we believe that sharing information and collaborating on institutional and social challenges faced by genetic counselors globally will be beneficial.

Title: Institutional and Social Issues Surrounding Genetic Counselors in Japan: Current Challenges and Implications for the Global Community

Published journal: Frontiers in Genetics

Authors: Yayoi Aizawa, Atsushi Watanabe and Kazuto Kato

Published date: 13 April 2021

Doi: 10.3389/fgene.2021.646177

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2021.646177/full