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Aideen McInerney-Leo, M.S. Genetic Counselor Social and Behavioral Research Branch Assistant Director JHU/NHGRI Genetic Counseling Graduate Program B.S. University College of London M.S. University of Manchester (301) 402-0160 (301) 435-3495  amcinern@mail.nih.gov Building 10, Room 3C710 10 Center Drive, MSC 1253 Bethesda, MD 20892-1253 Selected Publications JHU/NHGRI Genetic Counseling Graduate Program Genetic Analysis of Parkinson's Disease [clinicaltrials.gov] PET Scanning in Parkinson's Disease [clinicaltrials.gov]

I am interested in family research related to Parkinson's disease. I have been collaborating on two studies, one to understand the genetics of Parkinson's and the second for PET scanning. These studies enroll individuals and entire families with significant family histories of Parkinson?s disease. I have also collaborated in research studies to examine the affect of educational level, genetic testing for breast cancer and related counseling on risk perceptions and psychological well-being.

Currently, I am interested in ascertaining whether illness perception differs in genetic disease versus sporadic disease. In clinical genetics we frequently refer to "genetic burden" suggesting that genetic disease may be more profound in its social and psychological impact than non-genetic disease. However, as yet, there is little evidence to support or refute genetic burden. I am interested in exploring the existence of genetic burden and its implications for effective patient care. I plan to begin enrolling participants for this study in the summer of 2004.

I am also assistant director of The Johns Hopkins University/National Human Genome Research Institute Genetic Counseling Graduate Program. This collaborative graduate program brings together valuable resources from both institutions and from numerous clinical training sites throughout the Washington, D.C./Baltimore area. The goal of the program is to produce genetic counselors skilled in therapeutic counseling and genetic counseling research methods.

The Genetic Counseling Graduate Program offers classes, expertise and mentorship from committed faculty members at both NHGRI and JHU. Details about the program and how to apply can be found at the link above.

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Last Reviewed: October 2004