Genetic Counseling's Evolution: A Conversation with Carrie Haverty, MS, CGC
The field of genetic counseling is transforming, and Carrie Haverty is at the forefront, leading the way. Haverty, a distinguished genetic counselor and president-elect of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC), offers a captivating insight into the profession's growth and the challenges it faces.
Haverty's journey began with a master's degree in genetic counseling from the University of California Irvine, where she developed a passion for high-risk prenatal care and improving access to diagnostic technologies. Her dedication led her to Mirvie, where she now spearheads the development of the Mirvie RNA platform as Vice President of Product Management. Haverty's clinical expertise has been instrumental in product development and technology commercialization at various companies, including Counsyl, Myriad, and Miroculus.
At the 44th NSGC Annual Conference, Haverty shared her leadership path and vision for the society in 2026. She emphasized the expanding role of genetic counselors, their involvement in various specialties, and the importance of personalized, empathetic care. Haverty also addressed the challenges, such as patient reimbursement and healthcare system navigation, while expressing excitement for the field's growth and the integration of genetic counselors into multidisciplinary teams.
But here's where it gets controversial: Haverty highlights the increasing role of genetic counselors in targeted therapeutics and biopharma, particularly in oncology, cardiology, and rare pediatric diseases. This raises the question: Are genetic counselors becoming indispensable in precision medicine?
Haverty also discusses the exciting advancements in gene therapy, once a distant dream, now a reality. She stresses the importance of genetic counselors in patient enrollment in trials and their ability to ensure informed consent for patients and families when therapies become available.
And this is the part most people miss: The field of neurology, with its focus on Alzheimer's, is an area of growing interest for genetic counselors. Haverty notes the importance of genetic counseling in autism advocacy, a complex and often overlooked aspect.
Looking ahead, Haverty anticipates the integration of genetic counselors into various specialties, including intensive care, primary care, and infectious diseases. She envisions a future where genetic testing, counseling, and therapies are seamlessly incorporated across the healthcare ecosystem, benefiting patients through preventive care.
However, challenges remain. Haverty identifies reimbursement as a significant hurdle, as genetic counselors are not yet recognized by CMS as independent healthcare providers. She advocates for policy changes to improve efficiency and accessibility for patients. Additionally, Haverty mentions the growing need for postmortem genetic testing, an area where genetic counselors can play a vital role.
In conclusion, Haverty's interview offers a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of genetic counseling, its challenges, and its promising future. Her insights spark curiosity about the role of genetic counselors in precision medicine and their impact on patient care. What do you think? Are genetic counselors the unsung heroes of modern healthcare?
