Double Take -- by Mark Sproxton

Daily, Michelle Phillips educates people on genetics. But she's not a teacher, or based in a school, or working in a laboratory surrounded by microscopes, beakers and bottles of solution.

She works as a genetic counsellor for the Calgary Regional Health Authority advising members of the public and other health professionals about genetic testing, disorders and potential treatments. Hereditary health issues such as insulin dependent diabetes, lupus, and epilepsy are common matters in her work.

While the issues can at times be difficult, Phillips knew in university she wanted to help people directly and combine that with her interest in genetics. "Originally I had thought about doing research, however, being in a lab all day wasn't appealing to me," she explained. "I wanted to do something that involved working with people. The local genetics clinic allowed me to volunteer for them and it was through this experience that I decided to pursue a career in genetic counselling."

The need for a scientific background -- most of these positions today call for a masters degree in genetic counselling -- is evident when the types of genetic tests are discussed. Some common tests include looking at chromosomes (cytogenetic), studying DNA to find differences or changes in genes (molecular), and looking for changes in the levels of different markers in various body fluids (biochemical).

But Phillips addresses much more than interpreting and conveying the information a karyotype -- a picture of someone's chromosomes -- provides. Whenever people decide to pursue a genetic test she first informs them of the benefits, and possible disadvantages, of having the work done. She will also try and understand the reasoning behind the desire to be tested. After testing, Phillips offers help dealing with negative or positive test results by bringing to light potential implications on the patients' lives, or the life of patients' families.

"The process of genetic counselling is ideally non-directive," Phillips said. "Our role is to provide the patient with the most current and accurate information, and support whatever decision they may come to. We try to address all of the patients' questions and help them deal with any specific issues that may arise."

With genetic information rapidly increasing, Phillips believes more positions and more types of testing will continually emerge. And that will allow her to get even more out of the work she enjoys. "Providing patients with the best information available to help them make their own decisions is often a very satisfying process," she said. "There is a feeling of really making a difference in someone's life."