This is a comprehensive session exploring the evolving landscape of cystic fibrosis (CF) care across the lifespan. Dramatic advances in therapeutics has led to transformations in many people with CF but it has also heightened awareness of disparities in care and unexpected outcomes that will be addressed through the lived experience of a person with CF. By understanding the challenges and opportunities in CF care, genetic counselors can anticipate similar issues in other conditions and contribute to improved patient outcomes through informed counseling and support. 

Presented by:
1. Elinor Langfelder-Schwind, MS, CGC
2. Brooke Moore, MD, MPH
3. Richard T. Caldwell 

Learning Objectives:
1. Analyze how Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is screened and diagnosed through biochemical and molecular technologies.
2. Discuss communication strategies for CFTR variant results across multiple specialties.
3. Evaluate current therapies for CF and the impact of these on health outcomes.
4. Illustrate the implications of changes to CF-related care through the lived experience of a person with CF. 

Continuing Education Unit Approval:
The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has authorized National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to offer up to 1.5 Category 1 contact hours for All Grown Up! Applying Lessons Learned from Cystic Fibrosis across Prenatal, Pediatric, Adult, and Cancer Settings. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) will accept CEUs earned at this program for the purposes of genetic counselor certification and recertification. 

Successful Completion:
1. View recording
2. Pass quiz
3. Complete evaluation

Due to incredible surgical advancements over the past several decades, 90 percent of individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD) survive delivery, thrive in childhood and adolescence, and live well into adult years. Complete genetic workup yields a meaningful number of pathogenic variants for patients with CHD, and gene discovery continues apace. The genetic counselor is an important provider throughout all life stages for patients with CHD. This session covers the lifespan of CHD, and highlights the collaboration between genetic counselors and physician providers in their natural environments.

Presented by:
1. Erin Demo, MS, CGC, LGC
2. Kristen Young, MS, CGC
3. Lisa Schlager, MPP
4. Abigail Yesso, MS, CGC
5. Sara Fitzgerald-Butt, MS, CGC
6. Sheetal R. Patel, MD, MSCI
7. Gabrielle C. Geddes, MD
8. Fred 'Rusty' Rodriguez
9. Katherine Salciccioli, MD, FACC  

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify opportunities across the lifespan where genetic counseling can benefit individuals with CHD.
2. Identify varying approaches for screening and diagnostic testing for CHD in the pediatric setting.
3. Identify unique factors for individuals with CHD in adolescence.
4. Describe important landmarks and checklist items for a successful transition from pediatric to adult care.
5. Describe effective collaboration between genetic counselors and geneticist or non-geneticist physicians.
6. Consider benefits and limitations of genetic testing for CHD in the reproductive setting.
7. Assess barriers that exist to multidisciplinary care for CHD patients in various settings.
8. Describe ways that a genetic counselor is an integral part of a fetal health team. 

Continuing Education Unit Approval:
The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has authorized National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to offer up to 1.6 Category 1 contact hours for CHD Across the Lifespan: From Conception to Adulthood. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) will accept CEUs earned at this program for the purposes of genetic counselor certification and recertification. 

Successful Completion:
1. View recording
2. Pass quiz
3. Complete evaluation

The impact of X-linked disorders on female carriers is long overlooked. This session will explore the mechanisms behind symptom presentation in women with X-linked disorders, moving beyond the concept of X-linked dominant vs. X-linked recessive and surface level X inactivation. The session will also take a deeper dive into penetrance and clinical presentation in three exemplary conditions. Our session will continue with a facilitated panel discussion with several women who are carriers of X-linked disorders with varied experiences to explore the impact of being a carrier for an X-linked disorder and need for awareness and advocacy. Finally, the session will highlight the main psychosocial challenges faced by women who are carriers for X-linked disorders and discuss how genetic counselors can be key in supporting this often overlook community and close with time for questions and answers with all of our speakers and panelists. 

Presented by:
1. Rebecca McClellan
2. Julie Cohen, ScM, CGC
3. Kayla Banks, MS, CGC
4. Susan Howell, MS, CGC, MBA
5. Dawn Laney, MS, CGC, CCRC
6. Christine Disteche, PhD
7. Olivia Viola 

Learning Objectives:
1. Recognize how genetic counselors can empower this patient population
2. Analyze the mechanisms behind symptom presentation in women who are carriers of X-linked disorders
3. Recall the medical implications of being a carrier of Fragile X syndrome
4. List the medical implication of being a carrier of Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy
5. Define the medical implications of being a carrier of Fabry disease
6. Share the emotional impact of learning about one's carrier status
7. Describe how patient family planning decisions can be impacted by their carrier status
8. Identify the emotional challenges for carriers of X-linked disorders across the lifespan
9. Discuss practice implications for genetic counselors. 

Continuing Education Unit Approval:
The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has authorized National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to offer up to 1.5 Category 1 contact hours for Compassion in Not Just a Carrier: Medical and Emotional Impact of Being a Carrier for an X-linked Disorder. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) will accept CEUs earned at this program for the purposes of genetic counselor certification and recertification. 

Successful Completion:
1. View recording
2. Pass quiz
3. Complete evaluation

Microarray and NGS-based tests have dominated genetic diagnostics recently, but have known limitations, leaving many patients on a diagnostic odyssey. Through didactics and interactive workshops, this session will provide attendees with an in-depth review of the new genomic technologies that have been developed to overcome these limitations including long-read NGS (aka "third generation sequencing"), optical genome mapping, RNA sequencing, and whole methylome analysis. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the technologies, their benefits and limitations, clinical applications, and impact on test access and equity. 

Presented by:
1. Danny Miller, MD, PhD, FACMG
2. Linda Hasadsri, MS, MD, PhD
3. Ying Zou, MD, PhD, FACMG
4. Honey Reddi, PhD, FACMG 

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe genomic technologies that are currently use clinically, including their limitations.
2. Define new genomic technologies that can identify variants in the nuclear genome, including long read genome sequencing and optical genome mapping (OGM).
3. Compare and contrast short-read sequencing and long-read sequencing technologies.
4. Describe additional "omics" technologies, including RNA sequencing and whole methylome analysis.
5. Evaluate the clinical utility of advanced genomic technologies (AGT).
6. Illustrate the application of AGT to patient care through case examples.
7. Analyze disparities in the application of AGT and explore how AGT can improve testing equity.
8. Recognize the current vs future state of AGT.
9. Discuss challenges in the clinical adoption of AGT, including financial barriers and insurance coverage.
10. Analyze unsolved patient cases and identify AGT that may be beneficial. 

Continuing Education Unit Approval:
The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has authorized National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to offer up to 5 Category 1 contact hours for From Genome to Transcriptome to Methylome: A Journey Through the "-omes" Coming Soon to a Clinic Near You! The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) will accept CEUs earned at this program for the purposes of genetic counselor certification and recertification. 

Successful Completion:
1. View recording
2. Pass quiz
3. Complete evaluation

There are many ethical, legal, and social issues related to the transaction of gametes. When caring for patients and their family members who are gamete donors, carrying a pregnancy conceived with one or more gamete donors, or who are donor-conceived, these issues affect genetic counselors in all subspecialties. This session is aimed at equipping GCs with the relevant knowledge and ethical framework they need to appropriately care for a patient who was a gamete donor or is donor-conceived. After this session, we hope GCs will be able to advocate and promote safe family-building practices that utilize donor gametes and promote positive health behaviors for DCP across all degrees of biogenetic donor knowledge. In order to achieve these goals, this session will consist of live or recorded didactic talks and case conference-style discussions highlighting the key stakeholders and the ethical principles in question. If possible, we would also like to end the session with a patient panel where we could hear the lived experiences of gamete donors, donor-conceived persons, and recipient parents.

Presented by:
1. Jill Slamon, MAT, MS, CGC
2. Katie Lee Hornberger, CGC
3. Devin Shuman, MS, LCGC
4. Melissa Lindsey, BA
5. Jenny Rietzler, MS, CGC
6. Danielle Winston, JD  

Learning Objectives:
1. Recall the current gamete donor requirements and recommended guidelines.
2. Review diverse perspectives of donor-conceived people (DCP) and recipients.
3. List advocacy techniques for genetic counselors related to health and longevity of donor-conceived people (DCP) and donors.
4. Manage cases involving gamete donors and donor-conceived people (DCP) using case examples.
5. Identify the current ethical, legal, and social injustices and inequities that exist in the fertility industry with respect to gamete donation.
6. Recognize how a genetic counselor’s scope of practice promotes safe family-building practices. 

Continuing Education Unit Approval:
The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has authorized National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to offer up to 1.5 Category 1 contact hours for The Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of the Gamete Transaction: What All Clinical Genetic Counselors Need to Know. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) will accept CEUs earned at this program for the purposes of genetic counselor certification and recertification. 

Successful Completion:
1. View recording
2. Pass quiz
3. Complete evaluation

On Jan. 1, 2025, genetic counselors will have a brand-new CPT code! In 2005, the American Medical Association (AMA) approved the first GC-specific CPT code, 96040, allowing GCs to directly report and bill their clinical time. Two decades and many months of advocacy later, our new code will replace 96040.This code’s updated billing format will have implications for GCs of all specialties. This session will provide practical knowledge of how and when to document the new code and how to report applicable time.

Presented by:
1. Brian Reys, MS, CGC
2. Heather Zierhut, PhD, MS, CGC
3. Rachel Bluebond, MMSc, CGC  

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the factors that led NSGC leadership to pursue updating CPT coding for genetic counseling services.
2. Evaluate the process that went into developing and valuing the new code and the considerations behind the deciding factors of the new format.
3. Discuss the new code, implications for clinical practice, and attendee questions. 

Continuing Education Unit Approval:
The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has authorized National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to offer up to 1.5 Category 1 contact hours for Goodbye 96040, Hello 9X100: A Genetic Counseling CPT Code Update for All Genetic Counselors. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) will accept CEUs earned at this program for the purposes of genetic counselor certification and recertification. 

Successful Completion:
1. View recording
2. Pass quiz
3. Complete evaluation

On December 8, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved two cell-based gene therapies for sickle cell disease (SCD), including one that utilizes CRISPR technology - the first of its kind to be approved. Despite the intention of this demonstrating a commitment from the medical community to cure this condition, there is mixed reaction among those in the SCD community, given the history of inequities in research, and disparities, mistreatment, and disproportionate availability of adequate medical care for many individuals living with SCD. Through a facilitated discussion with individuals with SCD from a variety of perspectives, we will highlight their experiences and consider the factors, both positive and negative, that influence the decision to undergo a transformative therapy, and more broadly contemplate the issues that need to be addressed to ensure equitable opportunities to utilize them.

Presented by:
1. Barbara W. Harrison, MS, CGC
2. Aarin Ables Williams, MS, CGC
3. Rebekah Hutchins, MS, CGC, LCGC
4. Terry Jackson, PhD
5. Lakiea Bailey, PhD
6. Victoria Gray
7. Taylor John  

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the curative therapeutic options available for sickle cell disease, focusing on gene therapy approaches, including the use of CRISPR.
2. Identify the risks, benefits and potential unknown clinical effects of gene therapy in sickle cell disease.
3. Summarize the patient experience with curative therapies, both successful and not successful, to inform genetic counseling practice.
4. Analyze accessibility strategies for gene therapy and other transformative treatments both within the United States, and globally, where most people with sickle cell disease reside.
5. Examine the impact of the approval of gene therapy, int he midst of social and other factors that impact the sickle cell disease community, including mistreatment, disparities in appropriate care and medical mistrust.
6. Identify personal decision-making factors for patients and families regarding the pursuit of gene therapy for sickle cell disease.
7. Explain the role of genetic counselors play in patient awareness and decision-making amongst curative gene therapy options in sickle cell disease. 

Continuing Education Unit Approval:
The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has authorized National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to offer up to 1.25 Category 1 contact hours for 2024 Beverly Rollnick Memorial Lecture: Ordering “The Cure” with a Side of Trepidation: The Challenges of Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) will accept CEUs earned at this program for the purposes of genetic counselor certification and recertification. 

Successful Completion:
1. View recording
2. Pass quiz
3. Complete evaluation

Client guilt, shame and anger can negatively affect genetic counseling processes and outcomes, including comprehension of genetic information, client-centered autonomous decision-making, and psychosocial adaptation. This session will teach and apply evidence-based counseling skills and interventions grounded in existential positive psychology, mindfulness, and cognitive therapy to help manage intense client emotions. Using case studies, reflective practices, and breakout groups, participants will build competency in accurately recognizing and managing client emotions to enhance the outcomes of genetic counseling. This session aims to cultivate self-reflective practice on strong emotions and foster professional growth. This session is applicable to genetic counseling students and genetic counselors, regardless of specialty area or level of experience. 

Presented by:
1. Kendra Schaa, ScM, CGC
2. Janeta Fong Tansey, MD, PhD
3. Ananya Jain, ScM, LCGC
4. Lori A. H. Erby, ScM, PhD, CGC 

Learning Objectives:
1. Analyze the role of strong motions in client decision-making, autonomy, and psychological adaptation, with particular attention to guilt, shame, and anger.
2. Identify root causes of strong emotions.
3. Illustrate counseling techniques that acknowledge and harness emotions of guilt, fear, and anger towards enhancing client autonomy, informed decision-making, and psychosocial adaptation.
4. Evaluate one's own positionality to strong emotions and their impact on the therapeutic alliance. 

Continuing Education Unit Approval:
The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has authorized National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to offer up to 1.5 Category 1 contact hours for Client Guilt, Shame, Anger: Counseling Strategies to Support Decision-Making and Improve Outcomes. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) will accept CEUs earned at this program for the purposes of genetic counselor certification and recertification. 

Successful Completion:
1. View recording
2. Pass quiz
3. Complete evaluation

This session will explore the cultural intricacies of four faith groups and the intersectionality between religious groups and patient care in medical genetics. Faith-based communities have unique customs, cultural practices, and complexities that influence their relationship with Western medicine and medical genetics. Each has its own infrastructure with a variety of stakeholders that play central roles in medical decision making such as genetic testing for diagnostic or screening purposes.

Presented by:
1. Natalie Richeimer, MSGC, CGC
2. Shilpa Narayan, MS, CGC
3. Aisha Furqan, MS, MS, CGC |
4. Lindsay Walker, MS, CGC  

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify different faith communities and their needs for genetic counseling.
2. Examine the unique role of each community's infrastructure in medical decision making.
3. Construct strategies to increase access for faith groups.
4. Apply knowledge of culturally inclusive counseling learned during this session, to their genetic counseling practice.
5. Evaluate the intersectionality of different faith communities. 

Continuing Education Unit Approval:
The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has authorized National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to offer up to 1 .5 Category 1 contact hours for Compassion in Take it at Faith Value: A Look at the Needs of Genetic Counseling in the Hindu, Pakistani Muslim, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), and Orthodox Jewish Communities. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) will accept CEUs earned at this program for the purposes of genetic counselor certification and recertification. 

Successful Completion:
1. View recording
2. Pass quiz
3. Complete evaluation

Gene and cell therapies are becoming available for a vast number of genetic conditions that span many disease areas. Many of these therapies hold great promise and offer hope to patients and their families. Some of these therapies offer a treatment option for an otherwise non-treatable life limiting condition. While other therapies offer a treatment alternative to conditions with available effective treatments with longer track records regarding their efficacy. For some conditions, there are several genetic therapies. A patient’s decision to pursue gene therapy is influenced by the severity of their condition, availability of established treatments and the risks associated with these newer, and in some cases, less proven therapies. The risks and sacrifices that come with gene therapy differ as well. This session will use examples of clinically available gene therapy options within four different disease areas, including neuromuscular disorders, inherited retinopathies, hemophilia and sickle cell disease, to highlight their unique considerations, challenges and social and ethical implications. The session will also explore best practices to prepare and consent patients for these therapies and consider how genetic counselors can be involved in developing consent protocols at their institutions. 

Presented by:
1. Kristy Lee, MS, CGC
2. Brianna Gross, MS, CGC
3. Emily Place, MS, LCGC
4. Akshay Sharma, MBBS, MSc 

Learning Objectives:
1. Summarize the basic science and delivery mechanisms behind in vivo and ex vivo gene therapies.
2. Define the ethical, moral and social barriers to the uptake of gene therapy for conditions in different disease areas, and ways to remedy them.
3. Construct best practices for genetic counselor involvement and patient consent for cell and gene therapies.
4. Identify patient motivators and apprehensions to pursue gene therapy in a variety of disease areas. 

Continuing Education Unit Approval:
The National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has authorized National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to offer up to 1.5 Category 1 contact hours for Age of Treatment: The Clinical, Social and Ethical Implications of Genetic Therapies. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) will accept CEUs earned at this program for the purposes of genetic counselor certification and recertification. 

Successful Completion:
1. View recording
2. Pass quiz
3. Complete evaluation