CysticFibrosis.com's “Resident Genetic Counselor”
Jeanne Barnett, President, CysticFibrosis.com
I had the pleasure of speaking with Steve last October at the National CF Conference in Denver, CO. Over the past 10 years, there have been many gene related questions in our forums especially from those awaiting diagnosis, or newly diagnosed. AmbryGenetics is a strategic sponsor for CysticFibrosis.com from their very mission to provides answers to clinicians, patients, and researchers with comprehensive, reliable, and state-of-the-art DNA diagnostic testing.
Steve Keiles is a Genetic Counselor with Ambry Genetics and is truly passionate about his work.
In the direct discussions with so many of you, Steve has informed the CF community:
The “new” Ambry Test: CF Amplified is a comprehensive sequence analysis that can pick up over 1500 (this number keeps getting bigger as they find more mutations). A total of 99% detection of all mutations.
99% of all mutations occur with a frequency of less than .1% !
Steve is also impressed with our “level of knowledge” at the site.
Read our forums to learn more and talk directly to Steve.
I also had the opportunity to ask Steve some “personal” questions:
Jeanne: How/When did you decide to become a genetic counselor?
Steve: I was taking a genetic course my junior year in college. I found it very easy and enjoyable, so I looked into a career in genetics and I came across genetic counseling. I then met with a local genetic counselor and knew this was what I wanted to do. I have had many different types of jobs over the years so it keeps it very interesting.
Jeanne: Is it a satisfying career?
Steve: I really enjoy being the expert in different areas and being able to share that information with physicians, nurses, genetic counselors and patients. I used to see patients and really enjoyed that aspect of my career. I no longer see patients, but I do spend a great deal of time on the phone speaking about patients, results, making recommendations etc. It has really been a great time to be at Ambry Genetics over the last several years. We are on the cutting edge of a growing market that can really help patients make informed decisions about their treatment and family planning and that is very rewarding.
AmbryGenetics.com
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