South Africa and United Kingdom
082 GENETIC - 082 4363842 - International: +27824363842
BSc, BSc (Med)(Hons), MSc (Med) Genetic Counselling, PhD (Med) Human Genetics
ABOUT OUR GENETIC COUNSELLING SERVICE
Dr. René Goliath has advanced specialist training in genetic counselling, molecular genetics and research, to guide and support patients seeking more information about how inherited diseases and conditions might affect them or their families, and to interpret test results.
Patients may be referred by a doctor (such as a GP, or medical specialists, obstetricians, oncologists or other relevant medical professionals) to discuss family history and genetic risks related to pregnancy, inherited diseases, or before or after having genetic testing.
Dr René Goliath works as part of your healthcare team to help you understand:
* Your genetic risks based on your family history
* Your genetic risks for certain genetic disorders, diseases or cancers
* Whether genetic testing might be right for you
* What the results of genetic tests may mean for you and your family
A key benefit of genetic counselling is to provide emotional support as you and your loved ones make decisions and to empower you with information for your overall healthcare.
WHY IS GENETIC COUNSELLING IMPORTANT
You already see a doctor, or other provider for your healthcare. So, you might wonder, what additional help can a genetic counsellor provide ?
Because genetic counsellors receive specialized training in genetics and counselling, they are an important part of your healthcare team, helping you navigate genetics and testing, whether you’re pregnant and wondering about the health of your child, or concerned about a family history of cancer, heart disease or some other related condition.
​
Think of genetic counselling as a conversation. Your input – your goals, your feelings, your concerns – are all very important.
Using a unique set of skills, a genetic counsellor helps you understand your genetic risks, determines if genetic testing might be right for you – and if so, which tests – and explains what results might mean for you and your family.
And, just as valuable, a genetic counsellor helps you cope with your emotions as you process that information.
Genetic counsellors are there to:
​
-
Listen to you
​
-
Answer questions
​
-
Provide guidance
​
-
Help you cope
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT
Genetic counsellors ask about your family health history, discuss genetic risks and testing options and support you
​
What can you expect when you first meet with a genetic counsellor ?
You should anticipate an informative and thoughtful conversation which will last for about 45 minutes.
Your genetic counsellor will:
​
-
Explore your family health history
​
-
Discuss the reason for the referral
​
-
Talk about decisions that may need to be made
​
-
Help you understand what tests are available, what those tests may show, and provide guidance to help you decide whether testing is something you would like to pursue
​
-
Provide guidance and emotional support as you decide what to do
​
You are welcome to bring someone along to the session with you, whether a spouse, a family member or a friend. You are actually encouraged to do so.
It’s always helpful to have someone else who can listen, take notes and ask questions you might not think of.
Sign up for our newsletter
Please consider signing up for our newsletter, to receive helpful information about genetic health, from time to time.