About the Organization
Wills Eye Hospital, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a global leader in the treatment of eye disease. Established in 1832 as the America's first eye hospital, we are one of the world's premier eye care facilities and the #2 best hospital in the nation for ophthalmology as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Our clinical expertise, state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and advanced surgical capabilities make Wills Eye a worldwide referral center where more than 250,000 patients are treated annually. From common eye problems to rare sight-threatening diseases, Wills Eye provides general eye care and comprehensive ophthalmic specialty services that attract patients throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area, across the country and around the world.
Today, we continue to shape the science and medicine of ophthalmology, thanks to our talented, skilled physicians and staff who are dedicated to improving and preserving sight.
Description
Wills Eye Hospital is seeking a skilled and compassionate Ocular Genetics Counselor to join our world-renowned team. In this pivotal role, you'll provide expert genetic counseling and coordinate care for patients with complex ocular genetic conditions, working alongside leading ophthalmologists, researchers, and educators at one of the nation's premier eye institutions.
You'll play a key role in advancing Wills Eye's mission through patient-centered counseling, genetic testing coordination, and participation in clinical research and education. The position also involves collaboration on innovative genetics programs, supervision of trainees, and contribution to publications and academic initiatives.
Ideal candidates will have a strong foundation in medical genetics, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for applying genetic insights to improve ophthalmic care.
Primary Function :
- Under minimal supervision, the Ocular Genetics Counselor provides genetic counseling and care coordination of patients with complex ocular genetics conditions. This position oversees the development, implementation, and coordination of all genetic counseling services.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities :
Supervises ocular genetics administrative assistant in completing tasks for Ocular Genetics program.Collaborates with department chiefs, physicians and staff to plan, develop, budget, implement, coordinate, manage, monitor, and evaluate patient care protocols for clinical programs and research studies.Monitors and integrates new technologies, theories, and resources in patient care, project design, education programs, and program development.Carries out administrative duties including interfacing with clinical and lab representatives to keep abreast of testing best practices and innovative services available to patients.Obtains detailed family histories to identify potential risk factors and inheritance patterns; obtains and analyzes all pertinent medical records; reviews medical genetics literature to develop a clinically appropriate counseling plan; and obtains and collects informed consent for procedures and tests.Conveys complex genetic information, test results, and addresses the emotional impact of such information to both patients and families, both in person and by telephone, using understandable terminology and knowledge of genetic and psychosocial principles.Coordinates patient genetic testing including pre- and post-test counseling and informed consent, making appropriate referrals and follow up as needed.Interprets genetic test results and post-test counseling, and supervises ocular genetics fellow in performing literature search and mutation analysis.Participates in data collection, preparation of progress reports and quality control monitoring, analysis of data and the writing of scientific papers, and the publication of articles, book chapters, etc.Conducts educational programs for patient groups as well as physicians, medical students, other health professionals at Chiefs' Rounds (Grand Rounds), core resident lecture series, Residents' Ocular Genetics Course, Ocular Oncology Rounds, etc.Manages weekly team case meetings.Supervises genetic counseling students in clinical rotations with the Ocular Genetics service and assists with the education of rotating Wills residents, and medical students.Ensures that referring physicians are instructed in the importance of the genetic findings.Assists Wills Eye faculty with clinical and animal / lab research under mentorship.Assists with the development and submission of published articles.Exhibits competence in Microsoft Word applications and other software and databases specific to genetics clinical practice and research (including POSSUM, OMIM, etc.).Communicates well and is comfortable functions as part of a multi-disciplinary team.Formulates and maintains effective working relationship with peers and management and functions as an effective team member.Participates and oversees ongoing genetics-related approved IRB studies.Respects and protects the patients' rights to confidentiality and privacy and discloses information only for professional purposes which are in the patients' best interest with full consideration of their legal rights.Qualifications
Educational requirements :
Master’s degree in a work-related field / discipline from an accredited college or universityLicensure :
Board certified or eligible and Pennsylvania state licensure as a Genetic Counselor requiredCompletion of a training / program by the Accreditation Council for Genetic CounselingExperience :
Two years’ experience in Genetic Counseling preferred.EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.