ABSTRACT
This chapter examines some implications of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing for a set of key actors, healthcare professionals. It focuses on the case of genetic counselling for several reasons. It analyses how the critiques of the lack of involvement of genetic counsellors in DTC genetic testing are being played out online. The counsellors' professional knowledge was emphasised through markers such as board certification, ethical guidelines, hyperlinks to well-respected websites such as the National Society of Genetic Counsellors and scientific research. People were interested to find that the traditional role of healthcare providers as mediators of genetic information was expected by many of the interview respondents, who assumed this would be necessary, as the information could be 'dangerous' as well as difficult to understand. Myriad invested heavily in patient and physician education, providing extensive online resources and supporting Continuing Medical Education programs for physicians. Product advice may also be given to physicians.
