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The Simply Genetics Story

I started Simply Genetics as a science blog back in 2019 when I was an honour’s student. The idea and hope behind the blog were to share interesting scientific topics in an easy-to-read style. As my studies shifted to medical genetics, I began sharing human genetic posts about conditions such as cystic fibrosis and heritable cancers. I am passionate about equal access to healthcare and health education, and I wanted to try to reach as far as I could with my blog to raise awareness for genetic conditions. The blog is still running and can be found on social media and the website.

 

I plan to keep the original motivation and spirit of Simply Genetics in my practice. That is why I kept the name! Genetics should be understandable to everyone because it affects everyone.

 

So let us see how I can help you and your family!

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Hi!

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My name is Sinead Cameron-Mackintosh. I am an HPCSA-registered genetic counsellor based in Hilton, KZN. I have a special interest in cancer and in paediatrics, but I have training in several areas of medical genetics. These are listed under “Services”.

 

I grew up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, before I moved to Kwa-Zulu Natal to complete my schooling. I completed my undergraduate and honour’s degrees at the University of Pretoria. I majored in human genetics and physiology, which gave me excellent foundational knowledge of molecular genetics and the human body. My honours degree was in general genetics, where I learnt lab techniques and processes (such as DNA sequencing and CRISPR).

 

I completed my master’s degree in Genetic Counselling at the University of Cape Town. This was accompanied by a two-year internship at several hospitals across the country, including Red Cross Children’s, Groote Schuur, Inkosi Albert Luthuli, KZN Children’s, and Harry Surtie Hospitals in Western Cape, KZN and Northern Cape. 

 

I am a member of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, and genetic counsellors from government and private practice) on an annual outreach trip to the Northern Cape. The purpose of this trip is to identify people at risk of Lynch Syndrome, offer genetic testing, deliver the results, and, if positive, then provide relevant screening (e.g., colonoscopies and gynaecological exams).

 

The NGO Pink Drive forms part of the larger team and provides breast exams, pap smears and prostate exams. Genetic, gynaecological, and gastrointestinal services are limited throughout these rural districts, and many people would die from Lynch-related cancer if not for this annual outreach drive.

 

You can learn more about this initiative at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFq2pU70qrg

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