The College of Medicine, Dubai Medical University, is pleased to share that Prof. Preetha J. Shetty, Assistant Vice Chancellor- Academic Affairs and Program Director BBMS Program, was invited to deliver a talk titled “Genetic Counseling in Consanguineous Populations: Balancing Risk Communication with Cultural Sensitivity” at the 11th International Annual Conference of the Board of Genetic Counseling India (BGCI), held at the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, from July 3–5, 2026.

The international conference brought together distinguished geneticists, clinicians, researchers, academicians, genetic counselors, and healthcare professionals to explore advances in genetic counseling and its growing role in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of genetic and rare disorders.

In her presentation, Prof. Shetty highlighted the importance of effective and culturally sensitive risk communication when counseling individuals and families from communities where consanguineous marriages are prevalent. She emphasized the need to integrate scientific evidence with an understanding of cultural, social, and family contexts, ensuring that genetic counseling remains empathetic, respectful, non-directive, and supportive of informed decision-making.

Her participation reflects the College of Medicine’s commitment to advancing genomic medicine, genetic counseling, interdisciplinary collaboration, and culturally responsive healthcare, while contributing to global academic and professional discourse.

We congratulate Prof. Preetha J. Shetty on this valuable academic contribution and her continued efforts to strengthen genetic counseling education, research, and professional practice internationally.