UTS genetic counsellors are the voice of today’s profession

Associate Professor Alison McEwen, Head of the UTS Genetic Counselling program, has been announced as the new President of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA).

The appointment, which commenced in August 2021 marks only the second time a genetic counsellor has held the position in more than 40 years.

“The HGSA is the peak body for the human genetics professions and is made up of a number of discipline groups – scientists, clinical geneticists and genetic counsellors – who are all working in the area of human genetics,” Associate Professor McEwen says.  

“In the past, the President has usually been either a clinical geneticist or a scientist. I think it’s an important step for our profession, to have genetic counsellors viewed as being able to and appropriate to take on these leadership roles in the field.”

As a professional society, the HGSA provides oversight and ongoing regulation of genetic counsellors, as well as accreditation of Master’s programs and ongoing professional development opportunities for practitioners in this rapidly growing field.

Associate Professor McEwen’s new role is one of four recent appointments that have seen UTS Genetic Counselling staff take on significant leadership roles within the HGSA. UTS lecturer Jennifer Berkman is the incoming Chair of the HGSA Board of Censors for Genetic Counselling, the committee that oversees training and regulatory matters for the genetic counselling profession.

Elsewhere, lecturer Helen Mountain is the new Chair of the of the Australasian Society of Genetic Counsellors, a special interest group of the HGSA, while lecturer Lisette Curnow has assumed the role of Deputy Chair.

These leadership appointments are often the result of years of commitment and advocacy devoted to furthering the field of human genetics. They’re also a reflection of the high calibre of staff in the UTS Genetic Counselling program, which has helped shape genetic counselling scholarship in Australasia since its launch in August 2017.

Students are learning from people who have a breadth and depth of understanding of our profession, that you really only get by rolling up your sleeves and being involved.

Associate Professor Alison McEwen
Head of Genetic Counselling, UTS

“It really speaks to the innovative energy at UTS around the ability to take a discipline that hasn’t always been recognised as a fully-fledged academic discipline and start building it up in its own right,” Associate Professor McEwen says.

“UTS have been a creative and innovative space for us, and that makes people want to come and work with us because they want to be part of what we’re doing.”

UTS students also stand to benefit from working under the guidance of such a high-profile teaching team. Being so closely connected to the ‘what’s next’ of the genetic counselling profession means that Associate Professor McEwen and her colleagues can help students connect with the challenges and opportunities of the sector they will work in.

What’s more, the teaching team’s rich networks create exciting opportunities for guest speakers and professional connections that give students a head start when it comes time to look for work.

“Students are learning from people who have a breadth and depth of understanding of our profession, that you really only get by rolling up your sleeves and being involved,” Associate Professor McEwen says.'

Learn more about Genetic Counselling at UTS.