#414 How To Find Genetics Professionals Worldwide: The Global Genetics Directory

When patients relocate or relatives living abroad need cascade testing, finding a qualified genetics professional in another country can be surprisingly difficult. The new Global Genetics Directory aims to change that through a free, verified, peer-to-peer resource connecting genetics and genomics professionals worldwide.

In this episode of DNA Today, recorded in person at our studio, host Kira Dineen is joined by genetic counselor Monisha Sebastin, Founder and Principal Investigator of the Global Genetics Directory. Monisha explains how her international background and leadership within the genetics community revealed the need for a centralized global resource.

We explore how the directory was developed with support from the prestigious Audrey Heimler Special Projects Award, how professionals are verified across different credentialing systems, and why the team chose a closed, consent-based model rather than a publicly searchable directory. Monisha also shares how the directory could strengthen cross-border patient care, cascade testing, professional collaboration, and access to genetics services around the world.

Episode Discussion Topics

• Why finding genetics professionals in other countries can be challenging
• How Monisha’s experiences in India and the United States shaped her perspective on global access
• When international connections are especially important for patient care and cascade testing
• What genetics professionals around the world said they needed from a global directory
• How NSGC’s Audrey Heimler Special Projects Award supported the project
• How registration, credential verification, and directory searches work
• Why eligibility is limited to credentialed genetics and genomics professionals
• How the directory accommodates differences in professional titles, credentials, and scopes of practice
• Why membership is free
• The benefits of a closed, peer-to-peer, and consent-based model
• How patients seeking care abroad can work with their current providers
• The team’s vision for expanding the directory and strengthening international collaboration

About Monisha Sebastin

Monisha Sebastin, MS, LCGC, is the Founder and Principal Investigator of the Global Genetics Directory. She is also a senior pediatric genetic counselor in New York City, where she specializes in cardiogenetics and research.

Monisha grew up in India and earned her undergraduate degree in genetic engineering before completing her genetic counseling training at Sarah Lawrence College. Her international background, clinical experience, and leadership within the global genetic counseling community helped inspire the development of the Global Genetics Directory.

The directory was developed with support from the Audrey Heimler Special Projects Award for Monisha’s project, “Evaluating International Genomics Providers’ Needs and Perspectives on a Global Genomics Services Directory.”

Resources & Links

• Global Genetics Directory
  • To email directly, contact@globalgeneticsdirectory.com 
• National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)
• NSGC’s Audrey Heimler Special Projects Award
• Find A Genetic Counselor Directory 

Relevant DNA Today Podcast Episodes

• #109 Shenela Lakhani on Genetic Counseling in Qatar — Hear from Qatar’s first certified genetic counselor about establishing the profession in a new country and adapting counseling across cultures.
• #110 Gattaca, 22 Years Later with Catherine Mayo and Ale Cantu — Catherine Mayo’s first DNA Today appearance examines the film’s enduring relevance to genetic counseling, reproductive decision-making, and genetic discrimination.
• #114 Matt Burgess on Australasian Genetic Counseling — Explore genetic counseling education, certification, private practice, and healthcare delivery in Australia and across the Australasian region.
• #212 NSGC Recap 2022 — Meet Monisha and learn about the clinical care and compassion that earned her the Heart of Genetic Counseling Award, along with her work supporting international genetic counselors.
• #221 Genetic Counseling in South Africa with Samantha Bayley and Tina-Marié Wessels — Learn how genetic counseling is practiced and taught in South Africa, including barriers to expanding services and differences between its public and private healthcare systems.
• #259 NSGC 2023 Recap and Reflections with Catherine Mayo — Catherine Mayo returns to the show to discuss major themes and takeaways from the genetic counseling profession’s annual conference.
• #269 Computer Vision Diagnosing Genetic Disorders with Robert Boscacci — Meet the Global Genetics Directory’s web developer and site architect and hear how computer vision can support the diagnosis of genetic conditions.
• #286 Qatar Genome Program with Dr. Said Ismail — Explore the Middle East’s largest population-based genome initiative and its work to improve the representation of Qatari and Arab populations in genomic research.
• #311 Mock Cancer Genetic Counseling Session with Catherine Mayo — Hear Catherine Mayo demonstrate cancer risk assessment, genetic testing education, and patient-centered counseling in a simulated session.
• #351 Mock Cardiac Genetic Counseling Session with Monisha Sebastin — Hear Monisha demonstrate her cardiogenetics expertise and counseling approach during a simulated session involving a family history of sudden death.

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