Co-op Student-Cancer Genetics

• We are seeking a highly motivated student to work in the capacity of Genetic Counselling Assistant to work with our team of genetic counsellors, administrative assistants, and geneticist.
• The successful candidate will interact with patients, learn the day-to-day duties of a cancer genetic counsellor and assist in administrative and technical duties.
• Specifically, the genetic counselling assistant will aid clinic staff by creating and updating family pedigrees, preparing patient files, running risk assessment software, liaising with other clinics and laboratories, coordinating the work of clinic volunteers, and assisting with other projects.
• Learning opportunities include the ability to attend weekly educational lectures and meetings addressing topics such as genetics, genetic counselling and cancer genetics, as well as the opportunity to observe genetics consultations.
• The genetic counselling assistant may also have the opportunity to participate in patient recruitment, data analysis or manuscript preparation for ongoing research studies.

Your role

Elicit, update and create patient pedigrees for genetic counsellors. Prepare patient charts, collect relevant medical records for accurate assessment of a patient's family members, schedule appointments and perform essential administrative tasks. Learn how to use risk model software systems to accurately generate risk profiles for patients. Observe genetic counselling sessions and genetics consultations for hereditary cancer syndromes. Liaise with other clinics and laboratories to coordinate patient care.

• Excellent communication skills and confidence to communicate with patients.
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills with the ability to manage and follow-up on multiple tasks.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
• Interest in pursuing a career in human genetics.
• Completed or currently taking a course in genetics with a minimum grade of 75%25

Required Documents: University of McMaster Co-op Work History, Cover Letter, Résumé, Grade Report