In this webinar, you will learn:
- What genetic testing is and how it is done
- How genetic counselling can help manage your condition
- How your genetic diagnosis can help members of your family identify if they may also be affected by the same condition
You will also hear from Kristina Ward, a patient living with an inherited macular disease (Stargardt’s disease), learning about her diagnosis and genetic testing journey.
About the presenters:
Lindsay Fowles
Lindsay is a Senior Genetic Counsellor working across a number of positions including a lab-based role which supports non-genetic clinicians with ordering of genetic tests, a research role with KidGen, a national collaborative seeking to increase understanding of genetic kidney disease, and a clinical role with Genetic Health Queensland.
Lindsay started out as a research scientist and completed her PhD at The University of Queensland. Deciding to focus more on the personal side of genetics, she commenced as a genetic counsellor with Genetic Health Queensland in 2007 where she continues to work. She has worked in familial cancer, paediatric and general genetics and has worked with the Queensland Renal Genetics Clinic since its inception in 2013. The future of patient-centred care will involve embedding of genetic and genomic testing into standard clinical pathways and Lindsay is keen to support clinicians in acquiring the skills and confidence to be involved in this work.
Kristina Ward
I am a person with a disability. I have Stargardt’s disease. I was first diagnosed about 15 years ago and have progressively lost central vision since. Stargardt’s has made me a more compassionate and mindful adult with a strength and resilience I didn’t know I had.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a struggle but seeing through my eyes, I choose to have a ‘glass half full’ attitude.
