1. Program Mission and Goals
Mission Statement:
The Master of Science Genetic Counseling Program at the MGH Institute of Health Professions prepares genetic counselors to be leaders: of interprofessoinal teams, in the field of genetics and genomics, and in advancing justice, equity, and inclusion in health care. Outstanding clinical and non-clinical fieldwork experiences, expansive research opportunities, dedicated faculty, and an active-learning curriculum create an engaging learning environment that equips genetic counseling students to: provide exemplary, competent, and compassionate patient care; recognize and attend to the needs of their clients; effectively communicate complex genetic information; and advance genomics research.
Goals:
The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program will:
- Educate skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate genetic counselors who will contribute to high quality health care for a diverse society and who will provide leadership in genetics.
- Recruit and admit students who reflect a diversity of backgrounds and identities, and who will contribute to the provision of culturally humble care while promoting access to healthcare.
- Provide a curriculum that reflects contemporary knowledge, a commitment to critical inquiry and social justice, life-long learning, evidence-based practice, and engagement in active learning.
- Provide leadership in the development of innovative clinical education models to support the practice of genetic counseling.
- Foster scholarship in genetics and genomics for faculty and students through research collaborations, mentorship, and dissemination of Capstone projects.
- Model collaborations with providers and researchers from different institutions within and external to Mass General Brigham, matching the collaborative nature of the genetics field.
- Advance a philosophy of respect for all individuals, social justice in health care, and the provision of excellent patient-centered care.