Dr Kristine Barlow-Stewart

Kristine Barlow-Stewart, BSc (U.Syd), PhD (U.NSW was the first in Australia to be certified by the Human Genetics Society of Australasia as a genetic counsellor in 1991. She has been the Director of the Genetics Education Program of the NSW Genetics Service, a state-wide funded program of NSW Health, since 1988. The Program is an important resource centre, publishing booklets, pamphlets and Information Sheets on genetics services, support groups and hereditary disorders such as cancer for both professionals and the public.
In providing information, counseling and referral to the families that are affected by genetic disorders, Kristine has learnt of the enormous strengths that individuals and families possess. These strengths are further tested however, as the rapidity of technological changes in this field brings ethical dilemmas which add to the burdens faced by these families.
Kristine is currently a member of a number of National and State bodies developing policies to address these issues. Her research focuses on the experiences, information and support needs of individuals and families affected by genetic disorders and the impact of the rapidly developing field of genetic technology.
Kristine Barlow –Stewart is also presently Director, Centre for Genetics Education, Royal North Shore Hospital Genetic Medicine, Northern Clinical School, and is a leader in her field.