Abstract: Many social scientists and commentators have expressed concerns about the acceleration of genetic science and testing in the last few decades, especially in terms of what it means for patients. Yet, there is very little social science research on the views and experiences of genetic counselors, a growing profession of clinicians who are often the key medical actors translating increasingly complex genetic information to patients. This project draws on qualitative interviews with genetic counselors to explore the ways in which the genetic counseling profession frames its translational role as an "expert/user" of genetic knowledge, including the profession's stand on ethical issues concerning advances in genetic medicine. By asking what genetic counselors themselves consider the nuances and goals of their professional responsibilities to be, this project interrogates the tensions encountered by these specific genetic professionals in their work and whether and how they attempt to "do ethics" in their role as a pivotal player in the translation of genetic science.
