MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 21, 2010 – Baptist Memorial Health Care recently hired Lorraine Naylor as a genetic counselor for the Baptist Centers for Cancer Care’s Genetic Testing and Counseling Center.

Naylor is one of three genetic counselors who work one-on-one with patients to help them determine their risk of developing certain types of cancer by providing genetic counseling, genetic testing and follow-up services.

Baptist launched the city’s first adult genetic counseling program in 1997. The program received about 1,500 physician referrals last year.

“Lorraine is a wonderful addition to our program,” said Eric Fowler, director of the cancer genetics program at Baptist. “With her experience, she will skillfully counsel patients and present them with appropriate recommendations for taking control of their health and the health of their families.”

A graduate of the University of Portland, she received a Master of Science in genetic counseling from the University of Utah. As part of her master’s program, Naylor completed an internship in Cape Town, South Africa. As an undergraduate, she majored in biology and minored in psychology. She also studied ethics in London as part of a school-sponsored study abroad program.

Baptist Centers for Cancer Care boasts Memphis’ first adult myelosuppression unit– a specialized cancer unit for high-risk patients with compromised immune systems. The BCCC also offers allogeneic stem cell transplants, the process through which healthy donor cells are transplanted into patients with certain cancers.

To find out more about Baptist’s cancer services, please visit www.baptistonline.org.

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