ISTisNA-Genetic Counseling Training in the Field of Rare Diseases for Healthcare Professionals

The “Genetic Counseling Training in the Field of Rare Diseases for Healthcare Professionals” organized by the Acıbadem University ISTisNA Platform took place on May 16, 2024, at our university. The event featured speakers from Acıbadem University, including Prof. Yasemin Alanay, Prof. Özden Hatırnaz NG, Assoc. Prof. Özlem Akgün Doğan, Assoc. Prof. Hande Kaymakçalan Çelebiler, ISTisNA Project Medical Secretary Gülşah Şebnem Özköse, Clinical Psychologist Tuğçe Erdoğdu, Babeș-Bolyai University faculty member Assoc. Prof. Andrada Maria Ciuca, and faculty members from Istanbul University, including Prof. Müge Sayitoğlu, Assoc. Prof. Ayça Dilruba Aslanger, and Assist. Prof. Tuğba Kalaycı.

The speakers presented on various topics such as “Life with Individuals and Families with Rare Diseases: Who is a Genetic Counselor? The Current Status of the Genetic Counseling Profession in Europe, Journey in the Molecular World: The Importance of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Tests, The First Step for Healthy Generations: Prenatal and Newborn Counseling, Small DNAs Big Decisions: Genetic Counseling in Pediatrics, Ethical Dilemmas in Genetic Counseling: Responsibilities and Boundaries, Sharing Research-Based Genetic Results, From Ancestry to Future: The Role of Family Trees in Genetic Counseling, and Workshop Activities.”

Participants in the training had the opportunity to interact with specialized healthcare professionals in the fields of medicine, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, molecular biology, and biomedical engineering. The event provided information on the history, practices, ethical approaches, and testing options that form the foundation of the genetic counseling profession, which has become a significant need in our country. At the end of each session, speakers exchanged ideas and shared experiences with the participants. The training, attended by 32 individuals, concluded with a Q&A session.