NOTIS’s Community Interpreter Division (CID) presents:
Genetic Counseling for Medical Interpreters: Beyond the Basics
Presented by Megan Yabumoto & Ernesto Marquez Montes
Course Description:
This 3-hour training provides interpreters with additional exposure to genetic counseling within the pediatric setting, including intermediate and complex genetics/genomics concepts. This is an intermediate-level training, building upon foundations taught in “An Introduction to Genetic Counseling for Medical Interpreters.” Facilitated by the same two WA state genetic counselors who conducted the introductory workshop, this workshop will teach participants about complex genetic testing options, the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic testing results, and the principles by which genetic counselors navigate the advancing genomic world. Through interactive activities, interpreters will practice translating and interpreting specialized terminology and gain insight into the psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling. This session emphasizes the critical role of interpreters in bridging the communication gap between patients and healthcare providers in the complex field of genetics.
- Reviewing ethical principles of genetic testing
- Describing the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (2008) (GINA)
- Distinguishing between sex and gender and their purpose in the genomic world
- Reviewing embryological development, sexual differentiation, and diving into pathway signalling of sex determination
- Deeper understanding of some existing genetic tests:
-
- Cancer: Somatic VS Germline
- Methylation Studies (epigenetics)
- RNA sequencing
- Screening vs. Diagnostic Testing
- Prenatal testing options
- Biochemical indications and Newborn Screen (NBS)
Participants will receive handouts with key genetics/genomics terms and will have opportunities to practice consecutive interpreting and sight translation in breakout sessions.
Completion of the on-demand workshop is recommended, but not required, prior to attending this intermediate session.
Please note that mobile phone participation is not recommended, as workshops may include breakout room activities requiring a camera and microphone.
When?
Saturday, October 3, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Check-in begins at 8:50 a.m.
This workshop will be recorded.
Where?
Online via Zoom
Reminder emails with Zoom access information will be sent three days before the workshop and again the day before. If you do not receive a reminder, please email NOTIS or text/call 425-615-6741.
Cost
$52 NOTIS members
$94 non-members (JOIN NOTIS)
Registration
Please register at least five days before the workshop. You will receive an email confirmation after registering. If you do not receive a confirmation, your registration may not have been completed successfully. Before registering, please review the online workshop requirements.
CE Credits
| |
Credits Requested |
Approval Status |
| WA State DSHS |
3 general |
Approved (Approval number:910)
|
| ATA |
3 |
Pending (Category A) |
| CCHI |
2.75 instructional hours (CEAP ID #11221) |
Approved |
| IMIA/NBCMI |
0.3 (Registry ID26-1193) |
Approved |
Note: NOTIS cannot guarantee approval of CE credits that are still pending and is not responsible for refunds if a listed credentialing organization does not approve the credits.
Oregon Health Care Interpreters: DSHS-approved CEUs are accepted by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) toward HCI credential renewal. See the OHA HCI Renewal Requirements for details.
Certificate Records
Please save your certificate for your records after you receive it. Due to an increasing number of requests for replacement copies, NOTIS may charge a certificate reissuance fee in the future.
Who is teaching?
Megan Yabumoto is a pediatric genetic counselor in Medical Genetics at Seattle Children’s Hospital (SCH) where she sees patients in the general genetics, skeletal dysplasias, and epilepsy genetics clinics. Megan graduated from Stanford University School of Medicine with a Master’s degree in Human Genetic and Genetic Counseling in 2022. Megan, Ernesto, and other colleagues have been partnering with the in-house interpreter and translation services at SCH to better bridge the gap in understanding of common and complex genetics topics.
Ernesto Marquez Montes graduated in Spring of 2024 from the University of Washington with his Master’s in Genetic Counseling. Currently, he works as a bilingual children and family counselor in community services. He also has experience working with neurodiverse individuals and is passionate about making services accessible. Ernesto believes that fostering a partnership with healthcare interpreters is vital to accessible healthcare and critical for the future of genetics.
Certificates of Completion
Certificates will be issued to participants who:
Late arrivals are welcome to remain in the workshop but are not eligible for DSHS credit. If this workshop is approved for DSHS credit, DSHS attendance requirements apply to all participants. Cameras must remain on unless technical difficulties occur. Individual exceptions cannot be made.
Refund Policy
✅ Refund requests received more than five days before the workshop are subject to a $15 processing fee.
❌ No refunds are available for cancellations made within five days of the workshop.
❌ Refunds are not provided for technical issues, missed reminder emails, or devices that do not meet Zoom requirements.
❌ Transfers to other workshops are not permitted.
Accessibility
If you require accommodations, please contact NOTIS 2–3 weeks in advance, or as soon as possible, at info@notisnet.org.
