Genetic Counselor, Laura Fisher, MS, CGC, Named Director of Genetic Counseling at Windsong
WILLIAMSVILLE – September 30, 2019 – Laura K. Fisher, MS, CGC, a Certified Genetic Counselor, has been named Director of Genetic Counseling at Windsong. Genetics plays an increasingly important role in cancer screening and therapy choices. According to the National Society of Genetic Counselors, the field has grown 75 percent since 2006. As healthcare moves in the direction of personalized medicine, genetic counselors are becoming more and more vital to the care of patients.
As director, Laura oversees the education and assessment of patients seeking cancer genetic counseling, as well as the interpretation of patient results. Laura helps patients understand how results of genetic testing may impact their health, mental and emotional well-being, and family members. Laura’s expertise also helps patients determine if they should consider testing at all. Laura shared, “With genetic testing for inherited cancer predisposition becoming more widely available and increasingly complex, it is my goal to provide patients with a comprehensive cancer risk assessment they can rely on to make informed medical decisions.”
Laura joined Windsong in August of 2016 as the Associate Director of Genetic Counseling. Windsong president, Dr. Thomas Summers stated, “We are very fortunate to have the expertise of Laura Fisher on staff. She contributes greatly to many aspects of the Windsong multidisciplinary approach to patient care.”
Laura’s contributions go well beyond the counseling of patients, and include participation in Windsong Breast Care’s Q&A sessions designed for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and the regular multidisciplinary conferences with community physicians that focus on individualized care plans. Laura is a frequently requested speaker for community educational sessions focused on genetics. Dr. Summers added, “Her knowledge of genetics and continued dedication to learning the latest genetic tests and technology has enhanced patient care at Windsong over the past 3 years.”
Windsong Breast Care is a first of its kind collaborative program in WNY, designed to assist newly diagnosed breast cancer patients through coordinated care and ultimately improved outcomes. At Windsong Breast Care, patients receive a multidisciplinary approach to care from early detection, through rapid diagnosis and consultation, to leading edge treatment options and a survivorship program. Windsong is the first breast center in Western New York to receive accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a designation given to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and an on-site review of their performance.
Laura received a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from Boston University. Prior to joining Windsong she provided genetic counseling at Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.
Windsong is headquartered at 55 Spindrift Drive in Williamsville. To learn more, please call 626-6300.
