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Kathy Ruivenkamp

Associate Genetic Counsellor – Genetic Health Services Victoria

Kathy Ruivenkamp

Kathy provides education and counselling for people who want genetic information or who need to make informed choices about genetic issues. As a genetic counsellor she gives advice to individuals who may:

  • Have a history of genetic disorders or recurrence risk
  • Require prenatal screening and testing
  • Want pregnancy counselling or support after fetal loss or genetic diagnosis in a child

Kathy completed a Bachelor of Science with majors in genetics and psychology. She then studied a Postgraduate course in Genetic Counselling. Each postgraduate course takes only 20 students, making securing a place very competitive. To gain employment as a genetic counsellor, Kathy needed a minimum of two years certification with the Human Genetics Society of Australasia.

Currently, Kathy works at Monash Medical Centre but is employed by the Genetic Health Services Victoria, as are all genetic counsellors.

As there are only a handful of people employed as genetic counsellors at hospitals, until a vacancy arises, many people work in education, research, support groups, ultrasound practices and IVF practices.