Genetic counseling available again Published March 23, 2009 By Steve Pivnick 81st Medical Group Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, BILOXI, MISS. -- The Air Force Medical Genetics Center at Keesler Medical Center is again offering a service unavailable since Hurricane Katrina with the addition of genetic counselor Kathleen Bet to the staff. Ms. Bet, who earned her master's degree in the field from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, recently arrived from Charleston, S.C., where she worked as a pediatric genetic counselor. "I talk with patients about genetic disorders they may have or that are present in their families," she explained. "We discuss the chances that they could develop or pass on a disorder. Options available include genetic testing and counseling on any psycho-social aspects that might affect them." Capt. Mona Nelson, 81st Medical Operations Squadron genetics flight commander, said, "It was quite a challenge to find a qualified candidate for this position and we are very excited to have Ms. Bet join the 'gene team.'" Ms. Bet sees patients by referral only. Providers may refer patients to the medical genetics clinic with a known genetic disorder who need more information about the disorder or risks to family members. Genetic counseling also is available to patients with a family history of a specific genetic disorder who want additional information about their risks of inheriting it or passing the disease on to their children. S he also counsels women age 35 or older who are pregnant or desire pregnancy, and pregnant women at any age who have concerns about possible risks to a baby. Patients with cancer and/or a strong family history of cancer (generally defined as more than one first-degree relative with cancer at a young age) who want to learn more about their own cancer risk or the risk to their children may also be referred. Genetics also welcomes referrals for children with an unexplained combination of developmental delay, birth defects, learning problems and/or distinct physical features to determine if there might be a genetic explanation. Ms. Bet, a Pennsylvania native, is a member of a relatively small field of about 2,000 professionals in the U.S.