Genetic Counseling's Evolution: A Conversation with Carrie Haverty, MS, CGC
The world of genetic counseling is transforming, and Carrie Haverty is at the forefront of this exciting journey. Haverty, a distinguished genetic counselor and the NSGC president elect, offers a captivating glimpse into the field's growth, challenges, and its pivotal role in modern healthcare.
Haverty's journey began with a master's degree in genetic counseling from the University of California Irvine, where she developed a passion for high-risk prenatal care and improving access to diagnostic technologies. Her dedication led her to become a vice president of product management at Mirvie, spearheading the development of the Mirvie RNA platform. Haverty's clinical expertise has been instrumental in product innovation at Counsyl, Myriad, Miroculus, and Mirvie.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Haverty's leadership extends beyond the clinic. She served on the NSGC board of directors and was elected president for 2026, succeeding Sara Pirzadeh-Miller. At the 44th NSGC Annual Conference, she delivered an inspiring address, shedding light on the evolving role of genetic counselors, the potential of gene therapy, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration.
During the conference, Haverty sat down for an exclusive interview, revealing her insights into the current landscape of genetic counseling. She discussed the expansion of genetic counseling into diverse specialties, emphasizing the importance of patient-centric care. Haverty also addressed the challenges, such as patient reimbursement and navigating the healthcare system, which are crucial for the field's progress.
And this is the part most people miss: Haverty highlighted the increasing involvement of genetic counselors in multidisciplinary care teams, a trend that promises to revolutionize healthcare. She believes genetic counselors are essential in precision medicine, not limited to oncology but extending to cardiology, rare pediatric diseases, and more. This is where gene therapy comes into play, a field that has evolved from science fiction to reality during Haverty's career.
When asked about gene therapy, Haverty stressed the importance of understanding both the genetic testing process and the associated benefits and risks. Genetic counselors, she argues, are uniquely positioned to facilitate patient enrollment in trials and identify eligible patients, thereby advancing therapy development. Moreover, they play a critical role in ensuring informed consent by educating patients and families about the benefits, limitations, and risks of therapies.
A controversial topic emerges: Haverty's enthusiasm for neurology is evident, particularly with Alzheimer's research gaining momentum. She highlights the expanding role of genetic counselors in neurology, especially in advocating for patients with autism. This is a complex and sensitive area where genetic counselors can make a significant impact.
Looking ahead, Haverty anticipates the integration of genetic counselors into various specialties, including intensive care, primary care, cardiology, and infectious diseases. She envisions a future where genetic testing, counseling, and therapies are seamlessly incorporated across the healthcare ecosystem, transforming theoretical concepts into practical precision medicine.
A pressing challenge: Haverty identifies reimbursement as a significant hurdle. Genetic counselors are not yet recognized by CMS as healthcare providers, hindering their ability to bill for services independently. She advocates for legislative changes to address this issue, ensuring better care and accessibility for patients.
Haverty also mentions the need for attention to emerging trends, such as postmortem genetic testing. This relatively new area is gaining traction, and genetic counselors are finding ways to integrate into the process, as evident from the conference sessions dedicated to this topic.
In conclusion, Haverty's interview offers a comprehensive overview of genetic counseling's evolution, its challenges, and its potential. She encourages multidisciplinary collaboration and emphasizes the importance of genetic counselors in shaping the future of healthcare. This conversation leaves us with a profound understanding of the field's growth and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
