Episode 16: Genetics in the IVF Setting: The Role of Genetic Counsellors Across the Fertility Journey — with Rebecca Dickson

What does a genetic counsellor actually do inside an IVF clinic? Far more than most people realise.In this episode, Ali speaks with Rebecca Dickson, Genetic Counselling Manager at Genea, one of Australia's leading fertility services, about the expanding role of genetic counselling across the entire fertility journey — from carrier screening, genetic testing related to infertility and donor conception, through to embryo testing, complex results, and prenatal support.Rebecca shares how genetic counsellors are now embedded across multiple touchpoints in the IVF process, supporting patients through some of the most emotionally and clinically complex decisions they'll ever face. She also speaks about the psychosocial toll of fertility treatment, why the timing of contact matters so much, and the power of having a plan when everything feels uncertain.Together they explore:- What genetic counsellors do in the fertility setting- Reproductive carrier screening in IVF — how couples are screened and what happens when increased risk is identified- Screening egg and sperm donors- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) — testing embryos for known conditions, structural rearrangements, and aneuploidy- Common genetic tests in fertility care — carrier screening, karyotypes, PGT and customised testing- What is a karyotype? — chromosomes, structural rearrangements, and why this test matters for people experiencing infertility or miscarriage, and the early testing- The genetic counselling process for PGT — what patients need to know about timelines, family involvement, and managing expectations- Mosaic embryos — what mosaicism means, how results are interpreted, and the complex decision-making around transferring mosaic embryos- Why every patient's situation is different — individual circumstances, values, and reproductive history shape how results are received- Genetics and the donor space — screening intended parents and donors, matching, managing unexpected findings, and the complexities of international vs. local donors- The emotional side of fertility and genetics — vulnerability, long treatment journeys, and supporting patients who are physically and emotionally drained- How genetic counsellors provide support — understanding the journey, the power of a plan, involving partners, and knowing when to listen- Where the gaps are — lack of formal integration of genetic counselling into standard fertility care pathways, and the need for clearer referral standards- Where fertility genetics is heading — expanded carrier screening panels, polygenic risk scores, whole genome sequencing as a diagnostic tool, and the increasing complexity of results- The importance of consistency in care and having skilled genetic counsellors alongside advancing technologyThis episode is for genetic counsellors, fertility specialists, obstetricians, GPs, midwives, and anyone involved in reproductive care. It's also for individuals and couples navigating IVF who want to better understand the role of genetic counsellors and the support that exists.Guest: Rebecca Dickson — Genetic Counselling Manager, GeneaGenoCare: genocare.com.au