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P. McCarthy Veach et al., Facilitating the Genetic Counseling Process,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74799-6_13
Chapter 13
Professionalism: Ethically Based
Reflective Practice
Learning Objectives- Examine one’s motivations for being a genetic counselor and how they
influence practice. - Describe principles guiding students’ and health-care professionals’ ethi-
cal behavior. - Recognize ethical challenges that arise when patients have genetic
concerns. - Apply ethical principles and models to cases involving genetic concerns.
- Describe key aspects of professional development in genetic counseling.
- Recognize the role of self-reflective practice in professional development.
Acting as a professional means responsibly addressing patients’ needs and expecta-
tions. This requires first an understanding of yourself and the personal characteris-
tics you bring with you into genetic counseling sessions. For instance, examining
your motivations for being a genetic counselor can help you to identify the strengths
you bring to clinical situations as well as shed light on situations where your needs
or values might impede your ability to provide adequate care for patients. This
chapter addresses motivations for being a genetic counselor, describes several ethi-
cal principles and models for ethical decision-making, identifies some of the major
ethical and professional challenges you may encounter, and includes resources you
can call upon to meet these challenges.
As you transition from being a student to assuming the responsibilities of a
genetic counseling professional, it is also helpful to explore issues related to profes-
sional development. A commitment to lifelong learning and self-reflective practice
and taking care of your emotional and physical health greatly enhance your ability
to grow professionally.