29 October | 11am | Salão nobre ICBAS/FFUP
Chair: Milena Paneque
Title: The Evolution of the Genetic Counselling Profession: Navigating Challenges in a New Era
Rebecka Pestoff is a clinical genetic counsellor and an adjunct assistant lecturer at Linköping University in Sweden. She is affiliated with the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, specifically within the Division of Cell and Neurobiology. Rebecka’s research focuses on improving access and quality of genetic counseling in clinical care, with a particular interest in the integration of eHealth solutions.
She has contributed to the field through her publications, including her doctoral dissertation titled "Improving Access and Quality of Genetic Counselling in Clinical Care in Sweden: The Value of eHealth Solutions and a Validated Outcome Measure" Rebecka has also been involved in the rapid implementation of telegenetic counseling during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing adaptability and commitment to advancing healthcare services.
In addition to her academic achievements, Rebecka has played a pivotal role in developing a national certification pathway for genetic counselors in Sweden and developing the first EBMG-accredited Mastersprogramme for genetic counsellors in Sweden of which she is the programme director since 2021. Currently she is working on expanding the reach of the programme developing a Joint Nordic Masters in Genetic counselling.
She is an avid researcher with current interest in counselling supervision for GCs, identifying impact of GC for patients, research and implemention of prenatal GC among other things.
In parallell she works in the clinical setting at the Department of Clinical genetics, mainly within oncogenetic requests.
Chair: Milena Paneque
Title: The Evolution of the Genetic Counselling Profession: Navigating Challenges in a New Era