#397 ABGC Recertification Changes: Learning Scenarios Explained for Genetic Counselors

Recertification is changing for genetic counselors. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) now requires completion of new Continuing Competence Learning Scenarios as part of maintaining the CGC credential.

These are not traditional quizzes with one correct answer. Each scenario presents a complex genetic counseling situation, followed by reflective questions, peer rationales, and educational resources designed to support lifelong learning and continuing competence.

To help us understand why this change was made and what genetic counselors need to know, we are joined by three guests from ABGC: Monica Marvin and Dr. Claire Davis, co-chairs of ABGC’s Continuing Competence Committee, and Heather Rich, Executive Director at Smithbucklin, who manages ABGC operations.

We break down why these Learning Scenarios were created, how the requirement works, what counts toward recertification, and how ABGC is approaching competence in a field where many real-world situations are nuanced, reflective, and shaped by context.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Why ABGC reevaluated the recertification process for certified genetic counselors
• What was missing from a recertification model based primarily on CEUs or reexamination
• What Continuing Competence Learning Scenarios are, and what they are not
• How these scenarios differ from traditional quizzes or tests
• Why there may be more than one thoughtful way to respond to a complex genetic counseling situation
• How panelist rationales help Diplomates understand the reasoning of other competent practitioners
• How the new requirement is being phased in based on recertification cycle
• What genetic counselors in current recertification cycles need to know about voluntary scenario completion
• How each scenario earns 0.1 CEU and how those CEUs fit into existing recertification requirements
• How often new Learning Scenarios will be published
• How scenarios are developed and reviewed by ABGC’s Continuing Competence Committee
• Why review by the DEIJ Committee is an important part of the process
• How Learning Scenarios can address complex topics such as bias, cultural humility, access, identity, and patient-centered care
• Whether future scenarios may expand beyond patient-facing clinical roles to include genetic counselors working as medical science liaisons, variant curators, educators, and other nontraditional roles

The Panel:

Monica Marvin, MS, CGC, is the Program Director for the University of Michigan Genetic Counseling Graduate Program and Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine and Human Genetics at the University of Michigan. Monica was the inaugural President of the Michigan Association of Genetic Counselors, the 2011 Chair of the National Society of Genetic Counselors Access and Service Delivery Committee and the 2014 Chair of the National Society of Genetic Counselors Payor Subcommittee. She also served on the Board of Directors for the National Society of Genetic Counselors in 2016 and 2017 and is a current member of the Accreditation Council of Genetic Counselors Program Review Committee. In addition, Monica serves on the Advisory Board for multiple genetic counseling programs, and is the co-chair of the American Board of Genetic Counselors Continuing Competence Committee. She received the 2014 Strategic Leader award from the National Society of Genetic Counselors and was instrumental in the 2018 passage of legislation to license genetic counselors in the state of Michigan. She is passionate about the provision of high-quality genetic counseling services.

Claire Davis, EDD, MS, CGC has contributed to the learning, growth, and development of genetic counselors for 19 years. She received her Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in 2007. She earned a doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, completing a dissertation on how genetic counselors learn to incorporate innovations into their practice. A deep love of GC education prompted her to serve as a genetic counseling program director, course director, clinical supervisor, thesis advisor, simulation facilitator, committee volunteer, and author of articles and a book. She is currently Director of Curriculum for the Institute for Genomics at Sarah Lawrence College and Co-director of the Genome Health Analysis master’s program co-created with NYU Langone’s Grossman School of Medicine.

Heather Rich, MPA, ICE-CCP, is an Executive Director with Smithbucklin, bringing over 20 years of experience in certification, including oversight of more than 23 credentialing programs. She currently serves as Executive Director for the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). Ms. Rich possesses extensive expertise across all facets of certification, including governance, program development, and accreditation standards. She has successfully led multiple organizations through reaccreditation processes with both the American Board of Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). In addition to her professional responsibilities, Ms. Rich has been an active volunteer with the Institute for Credentialing Excellence since 2014 and currently serves as a Public Member on the Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board.

Earn CEUs with Gene Pool Media’s “Listen and Learn” Course

Are you a genetic counselor looking to earn CEUs, but struggling to find the time to sit down and complete them? Gene Pool Media has you covered with Listen & Learn: A Rare Disease Podcast Course.

This affordable CEU course allows you to earn credits by listening to a curated playlist of podcast episodes from Gene Pool Media shows, including DNA Today and All Access DNA, and completing a few short quizzes. The course features episodes focused on rare diseases and includes 10 hours of podcast content, meaning you can earn 1.0 CEU.

Whether you are commuting, at the gym, or relaxing at home, Listen & Learn makes it easy to learn, reflect, and earn CEUs through the power of storytelling.

Visit TheCEUShop.org/podcast to get started.

Resources and Links

How to Complete an ABGC Continuing Competence Learning Scenario

ABGC Continuing Competence Learning Scenarios

ABGC: How to Recertify

ABGC Recertification Handbook

ABGC Continuing Education Standards

ABGC Committees in Action: Recent Developments and Plans

ABGC Portal

Related DNA Today Episodes

• #312 What is a Genome Health Analyst? Exploring NYU and Sarah Lawrence's New Master’s Program (with Dr. Claire Davis)
• #295 Genetic Counseling Board Exam Updates with ABGC (with Heather Rich)
• #235 Genetic Counseling History: ABGC Formation
• #138 Genetic Counseling Boards Advice
• #126 Adam Buchanan on ABGC Boards Exam

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