Genetic counselors play a pivotal role in helping healthcare teams understand the complexities of genetic factors in cancer. Through compassionate conversations, they empower patients and their families with essential information, guiding them towards informed decisions about their healthcare journey.

Discover how these conversations extend beyond merely discussing genes and cancer, delving into the nuanced understanding of genetic testing's benefits and limitations. Uncover the stark reality that many families affected by inherited cancer conditions are unaware of their genetic predispositions. Moreover, marginalized communities face significant barriers in accessing vital genetics care, exacerbating healthcare disparities. This inequity serves as a driving force for Charité, motivating her commitment to addressing these disparities through both clinical practice and research endeavors.

Bio: Charité Ricker is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Southern California and the Director of Cancer Genetic Counseling at Los Angeles General Medical Center. For the last 22 years, Charité has been particularly focused on improving access to cancer genetic counseling, especially to community with limited access. After joining the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, she worked with oncology leadership to establish cancer genetic services LA General Medical Center in 2007, where she now leads a team of genetic counselors.

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This video was made possible by our partners at @allofusca and @SciStarter and is funded by the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Cooperative Agreement Number U24LM014070 with the University of Iowa, Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, and the University of Pittsburgh, Health Sciences Library System.