Allison Janson Hazell, Genetic Counsellor
I recently joined Medcan as a Genetic Counsellor. I’ve been working for several years in an Adult Genetics clinic at a downtown Toronto hospital—and love my job there. However, the huge draw for me to come to Medcan was to be a part of the most forward-thinking Genetics program in Canada. Traditionally the Genetics specialty has been available to only a select few: those with symptoms of, or a family history of, rare genetic disease. Medcan Genetics, however, is forging the way to providing genetic risk assessment to a wider population, and successfully integrating this service into Primary Care.
One of the best examples of Medcan’s integrated genetics approach is our Personal Genome Testing (PGT) service, which has quickly become our most popular Genetics service since its introduction in 2009. PGT identifies risks for common conditions (such as heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes) and provides clients with personalized information so that they can take appropriate steps prevent disease.
The Medcan PGT Service is comprehensive, and is comprised of two separate appointments. During the first appointment we review the family history in detail. Collecting family history information is an essential part of any genetic risk assessment, and we help interpret the family history and identify any specific issues. We then go on to review the Personal Genome Test. We explain the science behind the testing and review what the results can tell you. Finally, we collect the saliva sample (we give you a little privacy for this part!). The second appointment occurs about 3-4 weeks later, once the results have been received. We review the genomic result report together (it is generally over 100 pages in length), and interpret the results in the context of your own medical and family history. We highlight the most pertinent information for you, and provide you with the information and tools required to act on any potential risks, in order to prevent the development of disease.
So, what can Medcan clients expect from our Genetics service? Personalized and actionable health information delivered with a holistic perspective and in a medically responsible way. As the ‘Genomic Era’ takes hold, our program will continue to learn, develop and push the boundaries of traditional genetics and medical models. I am thrilled to be a part of the future of Medcan Genetics, and I am confident that our clients, old and new, will feel the same way.
