Beyond the Stethoscope – Building a Future in Genetic Counseling for Indian PCB Students Without NEET

Abstract

Students studying Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) in the higher secondary level in India have long been steered towards medicine as the most desirable route of career often via the highly competitive NEET exam. Even as medicine is held in high esteem, it is not the only path to meaningful and high potential career in life sciences. This paper discusses genetic counseling as an option to PCB students who would like to enter healthcare without obtaining official medical degrees. Genetic counseling combines biological and psychological fields to advise families on genetic risks, treatments, and prophylaxis measures, and is the future of personalized medicine. The article follows the historical evolution of genetic counseling, trends in the world and in India, and the educational pathway that one needs to take when he or she wants to venture into the field. It evaluates the increasing demand, skill needs, as well as opportunities of the students in India and other countries, along with highlighting the present problems in awareness, emotional challenges, and lack of infrastructure. Going beyond myths, it offers genetic counseling as a future-moving profession merging scientific with compassion and creativity. The argument is then concluded by showing students how genetic counseling can enable them to transform the healthcare profession, keep pace with the trends in biotechnology and AI, and play a role in creating a healthier world.