Fallon Brewer, M.S., CGC, has been selected to chair the Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling, which was recently established by the Alabama Legislature. As members of a healthcare team, genetic counselors provide risk assessment, education, and support to individuals and families at risk for, or diagnosed with, a variety of inherited conditions. Genetic counselors assist in decision-making, interpreting genetic testing results, and helping individuals and families process the meaning of genetic information.
By licensing and regulating these activities, the Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling protects the public through the enforcement of minimum qualifications for genetic counselors, improving access to qualified genetic counselors throughout the state, and further legitimizing the genetic counseling profession.
Brewer was appointed to the Board of Genetic Counseling by Governor Kay Ivey, and at its first meeting, the board unanimously elected Brewer to serve as its chair. In her new role as chair, she brings with her experience as lead genetic counselor for UAB’s Prenatal Genetics Services.
Alicia Gomes, M.S., CGC, genetic counselor for the UAB Medical Genomics laboratory, will serve as the board’s secretary. Other UAB faculty serving on the board include: Leon Dure, M.D., professor and division director of Pediatric Neurology; Warner Huh, M.D., professor and director of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Sheri Jenkins, M.D., professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; and Nathaniel H. Robin, M.D., professor and Medical Director for the Department of Genetics.