Michelle Alabek, MS, CGC, on the Role of Genetic Counselors in Supporting Patients Receiving Gene Therapy

This interview was originally published on our sister site, NeurologyLive®.

“We bring a perspective that aligns well with a lot of the physician and clinician representation, but it’s really a different perspective and often is more directly connected to the patient. Not only can we bring an additional set of skills, but we can also bring some patient advocacy if the patients aren't able to do that for themselves."

“Gene Therapy Unlocked: Empowering Genetic Counselors for a New Frontier,” a session held at the 44th National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Annual Conference, which took place from November 6 to 10, 2025, in Seattle, Washington, focused on the emerging landscape of gene therapy and its implications for the management of genetic diseases. Experts who spoke in the discussion brought up topics such as the complexities of gene therapies, like regulatory considerations and differences between therapeutic approaches. The key role of interdisciplinary collaboration in ensuring the efficient integration of these products into clinical care was a point highlighted by the speakers in the session.

The speakers also went over how the expertise of genetic counselors can be utilized for the provision of patient support, contribution to team-based care, and navigation of clinical pathways in the evolving field of gene therapy. Patients’ experiences, such as psychosocial and logistical factors that can affect participation in gene therapy clinical trials or the use of FDA-approved treatments, were among the topics discussed in the session. As such, the strategies genetic counselors can use throughout the patient journey to give consistent support, advocacy, and education were examined. On the whole, the session sparked discussion on the ways in which genetic counselors can assist with overcoming barriers to treatment and with optimization of patient outcomes.

At the conference, CGTLive® spoke with session coordinator Michelle Alabek, MS, CGC, a genetic counselor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, to learn more. Alabek discussed the foundational concepts of gene therapy and highlighted the role of genetic counselors in providing consistent patient support. Alabek also noted gaps in training for gene therapy and the need for standardized education and ongoing professional development. Additionally, she discussed emerging genetic testing technologies, such as long-read sequencing, which can help confirm variant phase in recessive conditions, facilitating patient access to clinical trials or approved therapies.

Click here to view more coverage of the 2025 NSGC Annual Conference.