Patient Pamphlets

The Role of Genetic Counselling

Patient Pamphlets
The Role of Genetic Counselling
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Ampath Genetics | Pathology solutions are in our DNA
🌐 www.ampath.co.za

🧬 What is Genetic Counselling?

Genetic counselling is an educational and psychosocial process where trained genetic counsellors work with healthcare professionals to support individuals and families who are:

  • Affected by, or
  • At risk of inherited genetic conditions

What do genetic counsellors do?

  • Help individuals understand the diagnosis and impact of a genetic condition
  • Consider the cultural, ethical, and personal context of a diagnosis
  • Offer education, emotional support, and advocacy
  • Refer patients to other specialists, healthcare providers, or support groups when needed
  • Assist in making informed decisions about genetic testing and future healthcare

A clinical geneticist is a medical doctor with specialised training in clinical genetics, responsible for:

  • Providing diagnostic services
  • Offering associated genetic counselling

👥 Meet the Team

👩‍⚕️ Dr Lindsay Lambie

MBBCh, FCPaed (SA), Cert (Medical Genetics) (SA), MSc (Med) Genetic Counselling

  • Paediatrician & Clinical Geneticist
  • Former consultant at NHLS and Wits University
  • Interests: Paediatric genetics, rare diseases, reproductive genetics, and neurodevelopmental disorders

📞 012 678 0645
📧 lambiel@ampath.co.za

👩‍⚕️ Julie Lampret

MSc (Med) Genetic Counselling (WITS), Cert (Social Work) (UNISA)

  • Extensive experience in prenatal, cancer, and cardiac genetics
  • Former roles at NHLS, Wits University, and Children’s Health Ireland
  • Currently the only genetic counsellor in KwaZulu-Natal

📞 012 678 0645
📧 lampretj@ampath.co.za

👩‍⚕️ Julie Malan

MSc (Med) Genetic Counselling

  • Experience in cytogenetics, cancer genetics, retinal disorders, and haemophilia
  • Active with the SA Haemophilia Foundation and the Familial Cancer Centre
  • Runs a tele-genetic counselling project with WFH funding

📞 012 678 0645
📧 malanj@ampath.co.za

👩‍⚕️ Sarah Walters

MSc (Med) Genetic Counselling

  • Background in cytogenetics and nurse training through SAIDA
  • Special interests: Cystic fibrosis, primary immune deficiencies, and adult-onset conditions
  • Active in cytogenetic and cytomolecular result interpretation

📞 012 678 0645
📧 walterss@ampath.co.za

🧭 Ampath Genetics Clinics

Ampath operates two physical clinics:

  1. Highveld Park, Centurion (Gauteng)
  2. Ballito (KwaZulu-Natal)
  • Consultations are appointment-only
  • Virtual appointments are available for patients in remote areas
    • Note: Clinical assessments cannot be done virtually

Booking process:

  • Schedule via 📞 012 678 0645 or 📧 geneticsclinic@ampath.co.za
  • Complete a registration form before your appointment
  • Submit any referral letters or previous test results in advance