— ProGC Program to provide stipends and grants for metabolic genetic providers to continue education –
ThinkGenetic Foundation, with support from Horizon Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: HZNP), announced a novel project to establish a professional development program for the continuing education of genetic counselors, genetic counseling students and ancillary medical professionals supporting metabolic genetics.
There is a shortage of genetics professionals in the United States, with one genetics professional per 300,000 individuals in the U.S. In more rural areas, the disparity of accessing a genetic counselor or specialist is even more pronounced.1 Traditionally, patients with metabolic conditions are critically underserved in the medical genetics space. The ProGC program aims to reduce these barriers and increase the number of providers providing care to patients with metabolic conditions.
“Genetic counselors historically rely on employers or personal funds to continue their education or attend events that will directly help them provide the best possible care and education for their patients,” stated Amy Rickheim, genetic counselor and program leader at the ThinkGenetic Foundation.
“I want to thank Horizon Therapeutics for seeing our vision and working with us to support the underfunded needs of genetic counselors and opening the program up for others in the industry to support as well.”
Horizon will provide funding to establish the new grant program. Participants can apply for funding to support career development opportunities including professional licensure, society/group membership, certification, exam fees, or recertification fees.
“Genetic counselors play a crucial role in the care of people living with rare metabolic disorders, and ProGC will help support their growth, development and education,” said Matt Flesch, vice president, communications and patient advocacy, Horizon. “Horizon is proud to support this program because we have seen the difference that genetic counselors can make for people living with very difficult rare diseases, as well as their families, and we want to be part of efforts that grow the development of professionals pursuing this career path.”
Applications will require information about how the genetic counselor or student is currently working to support the rare genetic disease community and how the stipend would help to further support their ability to deliver excellent care to their patients. More information about the program will be provided soon. In the meantime, anyone interested in donating or providing a grant to the program are encouraged to contact amy@thinkgenetic.org.
About The ThinkGenetic Foundation
The ThinkGenetic Foundation is a 501(C) (3) organization with a mission to empower those living with genetic conditions and their providers. The foundation was founded by a patient and a team of nationally-renowned genetic professionals with a shared passion for directly helping patients get reliable information and access to important real-life resources including genetic counselors, diagnostic testing, and financial support. In addition, ThinkGenetic recognizes the importance for specialized providers to have access to education and work to support access and funding. For more information visit thinkgenetic.org.
About Horizon
Horizon is a global biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of medicines that address critical needs for people impacted by rare, autoimmune and severe inflammatory diseases. Our pipeline is purposeful: We apply scientific expertise and courage to bring clinically meaningful therapies to patients. We believe science and compassion must work together to transform lives. For more information on how we go to incredible lengths to impact lives, visit www.horizontherapeutics.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
1 Raspa M, Moultrie R, Toth D, Haque SN. Barriers and Facilitators to Genetic Service Delivery Models: Scoping Review. Interact J Med Res. 2021;10(1):e23523. Published 2021 Feb 25. doi:10.2196/23523 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7952239/
