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The Development of Genetic Counseling Services and Training Program in Saudi Arabia
Author(s) -
Qari Alya A.,
Balobaid Ameera S.,
Rawashdeh Rifaat R.,
AlSayed Moeenaldeen D.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of genetic counseling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1573-3599
pISSN - 1059-7700
DOI - 10.1007/s10897-013-9645-8
Subject(s) - genetic counseling , medicine , consanguinity , family medicine , medical genetics , medical education , program evaluation , genetic testing , public health , nursing , pediatrics , genetics , political science , public administration , gene , biology
In 2005 the first Saudi genetic counseling training program was established by the Department of Medical Genetics at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The program has graduated five genetic counselors with high diploma‐level degree. This brief report describes the development of the genetic counseling training program and the factors that led to its establishment. Special emphasis is made to unique cultural practices including consanguinity, religious influence, and termination of pregnancy. This report also describes the current status of the genetic counseling services offered by KFSH&RC and availability of genetic testing.