Bonnie LeRoy

Research Techniques:

Special focus on qualitative research

Research Interests:

Bonnie LeRoy's major area of interest is the education and clinical preparation of Genetic Counseling professionals. She is the director of graduate studies in genetic counseling, which offers a master of science degree in molecular, cellular, developmental biology and genetics with an emphasis of study in genetic counseling. This two-year graduate program integrates didactic course work in molecular and human genetics, psychosocial counseling and bioethics with first hand medical laboratory and clinical genetics experience. Students gain genetic counseling skills through direct patient contact at the Fairview University Medical Center as well as a variety of other clinical settings throughout the Twin Cities and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

LeRoy is also interested in the psychosocial and ethical issues involved with the provision of genetic counseling services. She was a co-investigator on a three-year study funded to assess the professional and ethical challenges specific to the practice of genetic counseling and identify the strategies that have been successful in meeting these challenges. The outcome of this study was a case based on-line learning module and a published monograph for teaching primary care providers who, as time goes on, will be on answering questions for families seeking genetics services as genetics becomes more routinely integrated into medical care. Issues such as confidentiality, informed consent, duty to recontact, genetic discrimination, and many more abound in this complex profession. In addition, LeRoy and two colleagues wrote a genetic counseling text that focuses on the psychosocial skills needed by practicing genetic counselors.

Selected Publications:

LeRoy, B., McCarthy Veach, P., and Bartels, D., Genetic Counseling Practice, advanced concepts and skills. (2010) WILEY.

Selkirk, CG, McCarthy Veach, P, Lian, F, Schimmenti, L, & LeRoy, BS (2009). Parents' perceptions of autism spectrum disorder etiology and recurrence risk and effects of their perceptions on family planning: Recommendations for genetic counselors. Journal of Genetic Counseling- in press

Lee, H, McCarthy Veach, P, & LeRoy, BS (2009). An investigation of relationships among genetic counselors supervision skills and multicultural counseling competence. Journal of Genetic Counseling- in press Alliman, S, McCarthy Veach, P, Bartels, DM, Lian, F, James, C, & LeRoy, BS (2009). Ethical and professional challenges in clinical practice: A comparative analysis of Australian and U.S. genetic counselors. Journal of Genetic Counseling - in press

Zahm KW, McCarthy Veach P and LeRoy BS.  An Investigation of Genetic Counselor Experiences in Peer Supervision.   Manuscript accepted for publication in Journal of Genetic Counseling in 2007.

Schoonveld KC, McCarthy Veach P and LeRoy BS.  What is it Like to Be in the Minority?  Ethnic and Gender Diversity in the Genetic Counseling Profession.  Journal of Genetic Counseling 2006; 16(1):53-69.

Dewhurst ME, McCarthy Veach P, Lampman C, Petraitis J, Kao J and LeRoy BS.   Probability Biases in Genetic Problem Solving: A Comparison of Undergraduates, Genetic Counseling Graduate Students and Genetic Counselors.  Journal of Genetic Counseling 2006; 16(2):157-170.

Benoit LG, McCarthy Veach P and LeRoy BS. When You Care Enough to Do Your Very Best: Genetic Counselor Experiences of Compassion Fatigue. Accepted for publication by the Journal of Genetic Counseling in 2006.

Pirzadeh SM, McCarthy Veach P, Bartels DM, Kao J and LeRoy BS. Do Genetic Counselors Share Similar Values? A National Survey. Accepted for publication by the Journal of Genetic Counseling in 2006.

Thompson DB, Ahrens MJ, LeRoy BS, Brown D and Berry SA. Newborn Blood Spot Screening and Genetic Services: A Survey of Minnesota Primary Care Physicians. Genetics in Medicine Accepted for publication in 2006.

Thomas BC, McCarthy Veach P and LeRoy BS. What is the Clinical Role of Counselor Self-Disclosure in Genetic Counseling? Journal of Genetic Counseling 2006; 15(3): 163-177.

Weil J, Ormond K, Peters J, Peters K, Biesecker BB, LeRoy BS. The Relationship of Nondirectiveness to Genetic Counseling: Report of a Workshop at the 2003 NSGC Annual Education Conference. Journal of Genetic Counseling 2006; 15 (2): 85-93.

Lega M, McCarthy Veach P, Ward E, and LeRoy B. Who Are the Next Generation of Genetic Counselors? A Survey of Students. Accepted for publication by the Journal of Genetic Counseling (2004).

Peters E, Mc Carthy Veach P, Ward E, and LeRoy B. Does Receiving Genetic Counseling Impact the Way in Which the Genetic Counselor Practices? Journal of Genetic Counseling 2004; 13(5): 387-402.

McCarthy Veach P, LeRoy BS, and Bartels DM: Facilitating the Genetic Counseling Process: A Practice Manual. Springer Verlag, NY, 2003.

Pfeffer NL, McCarthy Veach P, and LeRoy BS. An Investigation of Genetic Counselors’ Discussions of Genetic Discrimination with Cancer Risk Patients. Journal of Genetic Counseling 2003; 12(5): 419-438.

Lindh HL, McCarthy Veach P, Cikanek K, and LeRoy BS. A Survey of the Nature of Clinical Supervision in Genetic Counseling. Journal of Genetic Counseling 2002.

McCarthy Veach P, Bartels DM, and LeRoy BS. Defining Moments: Catalysts for Professional Development. Journal of Genetic Counseling 2002; 11(4): 277-280.

McCarthy Veach P, Bartels DM, and LeRoy BS. Defining Moments: Important Lessons for Genetic Counselors. Journal of Genetic Counseling 2002; 11(4): 333-337.

LeRoy BS and Bartels D: Reproduction, Ethics, and Sex Selection. IN: The Encyclopedia of Ethical, Legal & Policy Issues in Biotechnology. Murray TH & Mehlman MJ, Eds. John Wiley and Sons, NY, 2000.

To view these and other publications visit http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed
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