About Us
The Centre for Genetics Education (CGE), based at Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney, was established in 1989 as the education arm of the NSW Genetics service of NSW Health. From 1989 -2000 it was known as the NSW Genetics Education Program.
The team at the CGE is dedicated to providing current and relevant genetics information to individuals and family members affected by genetic conditions and the professionals who work with them. The Centre's educational activities which include resource production, workshops and training programs all aim to bring genetics information to the widest audience possible with an aim of assisting in addressing the impact of the new and developing genetics technologies. Our research programs aim to provide an evidence base for these activities.
Who's Who at Genetics Education?
 Associate Professor Kristine Barlow-Stewart PhD Genetic Counsellor Director |
 Vicki Reid Office Manager |
 Mona Saleh Genetic Counsellor Deputy Director |
 Kate Dunlop Project Manager |
Janan Karatas |
Funding
The CGE is funded as a statewide service by NSW Health (Australia) through Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service. We do not carry advertising and we do not accept any corporate sponsorship. Funding for special projects may however be obtained from competitive grants and contracts.
Resources
The field of human genetics is rapidly developing, underscoring the need for regular updating of current information and production of new information on areas and issues as they arise.
The CGE's core business is the development, production, dissemination and evaluation of print, audiovisual and online resources, authored and developed by our expert professional staff and peer-reviewed for accuracy by experts in clinical genetics and relevant medical specialties, laboratory genetics, and genetic counselling. Support groups are also partners in the production and dissemination of the information. Evaluations are regularly conducted with end-users to ensure that the information is appropriately targeted and is meeting their needs.
Our resources include:
Fact Sheets
Each Fact Sheet contains an edit history, noting their creation date and date of revision/updating. Some originated as early as 1993 and all are checked and revised accordingly at least every two years using a formal comprehensive protocol. New Fact Sheets are developed on topics when there is a demonstrated need ascertained by a formal needs assessment or from consistent requests directly to the Centre.
Pamphlets and booklets
Printed and audio-visual resources produced for general information, teachers and students are also regularly updated following an established protocol. Each edition is dated.
Information Sheets
Information Sheets are produced on request for particular genetic conditions for use primarily in the genetic counselling context by staff of the NSW Genetics Service or where a diagnosis has been confirmed. Areas covered include synonyms; general information; symptoms in more detail; cause/genetic basis where known; who is affected; brief general treatment information and resources including national and international support group contacts. The Information Sheets are updated if more than 12 months old prior to dissemination.